FIFA has confirmed the dates and venues for Bafana Bafana’s three FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage fixtures.
The world football governing body held the group stage draw in Washington DC on Friday evening.
Opening match
South Africa were drawn in Group A alongside co-costs Mexico, South Korea and a European team that will come from a playoff.
That as yet undetermined side will be the winner of a four-way battle between Denmark and North Macedonia, and Czech Republic and Ireland.
Bafana Bafana will also lock horns with Mexico in the opening game of the tournament – which will be a repeat of the opening clash of the 2010 World Cup which ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
This will be the first ever World Cup with 48 nations, divided into 12 groups of four teams each, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
The top two finishers in each of the 12 groups plus the eight best third-placed finishers will progress to the Round of 32.
Bafana Bafana’s Group A fixtures
Thursday, 11 June
Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 22:00 (SA time)
Thursday, 18 June
South Africa vs Playoff winner, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 19:00 (SA time).
Wednesday, 25 June
South Korea vs South Africa, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 04:00 (SA time)
