Team: South Africa

South Africa return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the 2010 tournament, bringing a squad built on a new generation of South African footballers. Bafana Bafana carry the pride of a nation whose connection to football runs very deep, amplified by the memories of hosting the first African World Cup. Their qualification ended years of frustration and represents a significant moment for football across the continent's southern region. Playing in North America, South Africa bring a story and a spirit that will capture the attention of many neutral fans following the tournament. Their return to the world stage has been a long time coming.

Bafana Bafana sealed their return on 14 October 2025 with a 3-0 win over Rwanda on the final day of CAF Group C qualifying, finishing ahead of Nigeria to end a 16 year absence from the World Cup.