Bafana Bafana handed a tricky group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

South Africa face a balanced but highly competitive FIFA world cup group as they aim to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.

Returning to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010, Bafana Bafana find themselves in Group A with co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and the winner of European Play-off A.

The draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 took place on Friday for next year’s football tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The World Cup’s first match will be a throwback to 2010 when Mexico take on South Africa in a replay of the 2010 edition’s tournament opener.

Though Mexico are strong favourites in the group, Bafana will feel they have a realistic route to the knockout rounds.

A record of 48 teams will take part in next year’s expanded edition, for which former England and Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand oversaw the draw.

Current FIFA World Cup holders Argentina will be hoping to defend their tittle, following their victory against France in the final of the 2022 edition in Qatar.