Watch VideoAfrica Fifa World Cup guide: Can underdogs Bafana Bafana run with the big dogs?

The Bafana Bafana squad are put through their paces ahead of their 2026 Fifa World Cup opener against Mexico. Fifa World Cup appearances – 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2026 Sixteen years after hosting the Fifa World Cup,Bafanawill return to the global showpiece set to behosted in North Americathis month. Bafana’s qualifying process wasn’t smooth.

They were docked three points after fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena during their qualifier against Lesotho on home soil. However, such was the resilience of coach Hugo Broos’ men, they kept their heads above water and did just enough to finish top of their group, which included arch-rivals Nigeria. The team’s challenges continued prior to their departure to Mexico, as they remained grounded due to visa delays, resulting in the team leaving a day later.

However, they can’t afford to use this as a reason for a poor start in the tough tournament ahead. Bafana need to dig deep and find their confidence, which has seen them become one of the highly-rated teams on the continent. They also face a highly symbolic opening game against co-host Mexico at Estadio Azteca on June 11 – a repeat of the 2010 match on home soil. Broos also returns to Mexico eager to come full circle after playing his first and only World Cup with his native Belgium in the country 40 years ago.A knockout stage qualification is what Broos is targeting, as that would seal a perfect end to a career that has reached peaks and valleys during a five-year spell in South African football.