World Cup: Who are South Africa’s all-time top scorers at the World Cup?

Africa Today at 05:28

Nouya M'toama

News Editor

With just hours to go before Bafana Bafana return to the 2026 World Cup, it’s time to revisit the history of South Africa’s goal scorers on football’s grandest stage. Since making their debut in 1998, nine players have netted a total of 11 goals for South Africa at the World Cup, each leaving their mark on the Rainbow Nation’s football story.

South Africa is set for a World Cup comeback, sixteen years after their last appearance in 2010. Before they write a new chapter, Bafana Bafana can draw inspiration from the legacy built by generations of players who have found the back of the net at the planet’s most prestigious tournament.

In total, nine South Africans have scored eleven World Cup goals between 1998 and 2010. Among them, Shaun Bartlett and Benni McCarthy stand out with two goals apiece.

Benni McCarthy, South Africa’s first World Cup goal scorer

South Africa’s first World Cup appearance came in 1998 in France. Benni McCarthy made history by scoring Bafana Bafana’s very first World Cup goal, finding the net in a 1-1 draw against Denmark.

A few days later, Shaun Bartlett delivered a still-unmatched performance for South Africa at a World Cup. Against Saudi Arabia, the striker bagged a brace in a 2-2 draw, becoming the only South African to score twice in a single World Cup match.

2002: A historic victory and a variety of goal scorers

At the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, Bafana Bafana hit the net four times.

Teboho Mokoena and Quinton Fortune both converted penalties against Paraguay in a 2-2 draw. Siyabonga Nomvethe secured South Africa’s first and only World Cup victory, scoring the winner against Slovenia (1-0).

Benni McCarthy and captain Lucas Radebe also found the net against Spain in a 3-2 defeat. Despite these attacking displays, South Africa exited at the group stage.

2010: Tshabalala and the memories of a home World Cup

As hosts of the 2010 World Cup, South Africa made history right from the opening match, thanks to a stunning strike by Siphiwe Tshabalala against Mexico (1-1)—a moment that remains one of the tournament’s most iconic.

Bafana Bafana followed up with another memorable feat, defeating France 2-1. Bongani Khumalo opened the scoring with a header before Katlego Mphela sealed the win.

A legacy to build on at the 2026 World Cup

With 11 goals in three appearances, South Africa’s World Cup record may be modest, but it’s rich in symbolic moments.

Shaun Bartlett and Benni McCarthy top the all-time list with two goals each. They are followed by Katlego Mphela, Quinton Fortune, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Lucas Radebe, Siphiwe Tshabalala, and Bongani Khumalo, each with one goal to their name.

As Bafana Bafana return to the 2026 World Cup, a new generation will have the chance to add to this legacy—and maybe write the greatest chapters yet in South African football history on the world stage.