2026 World Cup: South Africa's qualification scenarios for the round of 32

24.06.26 FT World Cup

South Africa

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Bottom of Group A, South Africa still have a fighting chance to qualify for the round of 32 at the World Cup ahead of the third matchday. Here’s a look at the different qualification scenarios facing Bafana Bafana.

After suffering a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the tournament opener, Hugo Broos' squad were held to a 1-1 draw by the Czech Republic. Their hopes now rest on the final Group A match against South Korea this Thursday at 1 a.m. GMT.

World Cup 2026: The official and complete group stage schedule

Bafana Bafana currently sit fourth in Group A with 1 point and a negative goal difference (-2), trailing Mexico (6 pts), South Korea (3 pts), and the Czech Republic (1 pt, -1).

While the top spot in the group is already locked in for Mexico after two wins, South Africa can still hope to finish second—or grab a place among the best third-placed teams from the 12 groups.

South Africa will qualify as group runners-up if:

- They beat South Korea and the Czech Republic draw or lose against Mexico.

- They beat South Korea and finish with a better goal difference than the Czech Republic if both win (currently -1 for the Czechs and -2 for Bafana Bafana).

South Africa can still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams if:

- They beat South Korea but have an inferior goal difference compared to the Czech Republic if both win (currently -1 for the Czechs and -2 for Bafana Bafana).

- They draw with South Korea and the Czech Republic lose to Mexico, but then must hope that eight other third-placed teams across the groups do not outperform them.

Here’s a reminder of the current best third-placed standings:

1. Sweden (3 points): 6 goals scored, 6 conceded (goal difference +0).

2. Scotland (3 points): 1 goal scored, 1 conceded (goal difference +0).

3. Croatia (3 points): 3 goals scored, 4 conceded (goal difference -1).

4. Algeria (3 points): 2 goals scored, 4 conceded (goal difference -2).

5. Paraguay (3 points): 2 goals scored, 4 conceded (goal difference -2).

6. Cape Verde (2 points): 2 goals scored, 2 conceded (goal difference +0).

7. Belgium (2 points): 1 goal scored, 1 conceded (goal difference +0).

8. Czech Republic (1 point): 2 goals scored, 3 conceded (goal difference -1).

9. DR Congo (1 point): 1 goal scored, 2 conceded (goal difference -1).

10. Ecuador (1 point): 0 goals scored, 1 conceded (goal difference -1).

11. Bosnia and Herzegovina (1 point): 2 goals scored, 5 conceded (goal difference -3).

12. Senegal (0 points): 3 goals scored, 6 conceded (goal difference -3).

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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