FIFA World Cup 2026
South Africa at the FIFA World Cup 2026
Overview
South Africa is the African Union’s southernmost large state, a constitutional parliamentary republic with eleven official languages, Pretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein sharing capital functions, extraordinarily biodiverse and mineral‑rich.
South Africa have never lifted the trophy, but their best run is as World Cup group-stage regulars (1998, 2002, 2010) across 4 World Cup appearances. At the World Cup, Shaun Bartlett and Benni McCarthy feature prominently in the scoring charts for South Africa with 2 goals each. All-time, Benni McCarthy leads South Africa's senior men's scoring list with 31 goals.
At World Cup 2026, South Africa line up in Group A as CAF representatives from Africa. Group-stage fixtures against Mexico, South Korea and Czechia open a competitive first-round schedule.
Quick facts
- Capital
- Pretoria
- Continent
- Africa
- Federation
- CAF (Africa)
- Group
- A
- FIFA ranking (Nov 2025)
- #61
- World Cup titles
- 0
Geography
- Founded / established
- 1910
- Population
- 63,274,000
- Languages
- Eleven official languages including English, Afrikaans, isiZulu and isiXhosa
- Currency
- South African rand (ZAR)
- Area
- 1,221,037 km²
- Highest point
- Mafadi (3,450 m)
- Climate
- Mediterranean Cape south-west; subtropical east coast; arid interior west
- Land borders
- Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Zimbabwe
Football facts
- Appearances
- 4
- Best result
- Group stage (1998, 2002, 2010)
- Top scorer
- Shaun Bartlett, Benni McCarthy (2)
- Debut
- 1998
2026 World Cup kits
Home kit
Main color: green
World Cup history
4 World Cup appearances
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Qualified (2026) |
| 2022 | Group stage |
| 2010 | Group stage |
| 2002 | Group stage |
| 1998 | Group stage |
Frequently asked questions
- Has South Africa ever won the FIFA World Cup?
- No. South Africa have not won the men's World Cup; their best finish is World Cup group-stage regulars (1998, 2002, 2010).
- Which group is South Africa in at World Cup 2026?
- South Africa are in Group A. Group opponents include Mexico, South Korea, Czechia.
- What is the capital of South Africa?
- The capital city is Pretoria.
- Which FIFA confederation does South Africa belong to?
- South Africa compete under CAF (Africa).
- How many World Cups has South Africa played before 2026?
- South Africa had appeared in 4 FIFA World Cups prior to qualifying for 2026.
- Who is South Africa's all-time leading goal scorer?
- Benni McCarthy leads South Africa's senior men's national team with 31 goals in FIFA-recognised matches.