The whole nation is behind Bafana Bafana as the team chases qualification for the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From Soweto to Cape Town and from Durban to Polokwane, communities have set up fan zones, viewing parties and school competitions to back the team. The mood across South Africa is one of hope.
Bafana Bafana are at the World Cup for the first time since 2010. The team qualified through a tough African campaign under coach Hugo Broos. The squad mixes seasoned players like Ronwen Williams and Percy Tau with younger talents from the local Betway Premiership.
The opening match against Mexico ended in a 2 to 0 defeat. The team then drew the second group game against Czech Republic in a hard fought 1 to 1 result. The third and final group game now decides everything.
Communities have done their part by getting behind the team. Here are some of the local efforts taking place across the country:
- Soweto – mass viewing parties at FNB Stadium and Orlando Stadium
- Cape Town – the Far South fan zone at the Sun Valley sports field
- Durban – community gatherings on the North Beach promenade
- Pretoria – school competitions and a big screen at Hatfield Square
- Polokwane – Peter Mokaba Stadium hosting live screening events
- Bloemfontein – community viewing at Vodacom Park
- Gqeberha – outdoor screen at the boardwalk
President Cyril Ramaphosa sent a message of support to the squad through SAFA. He praised the players for showing pride in the green and gold. He also thanked supporters for staying behind the team after the opening defeat.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie posted a short video on his Facebook page. He told the players to focus on the match and not on the visa issues that delayed their arrival. He said all South Africans stand with them in the final group game.
SAFA has thanked sponsors for keeping the team well supported during the tournament. Vodacom, Sasol, Mzansi Magic and several other South African brands have run dedicated Bafana campaigns. Their social media posts have used the tag Go Bafana Bafana.
South African business groups have also pitched in. The Black Business Council has called on its members to give workers extra time off to watch the match. Several retail brands have offered discounts in their stores during the Bafana games. Local taxi associations have also painted the green and gold on their bumpers.
For the players the message is simple and clear. Ronwen Williams thanked South African fans for their support at a press conference earlier this week. He said the team feels every message and every social media post. He promised the squad will give every last drop of sweat in the final group match.
Bafana need a win against their final group rivals to make the round of 16. A draw could be enough if other results in the group fall their way. A loss will end their World Cup at the group stage.
The match kicks off on Wednesday at 21:00 South African time. SuperSport will show the game live on channel 211. South Africans across the country will gather at homes, pubs and fan zones to back the team. The hashtag GoBafanaBafana has already started trending on local social media.
Alex Jordan is a sports journalist based in Johannesburg. He covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, Premier Soccer League (PSL), Cricket South Africa and major international tournaments. With a focus on match analysis, player profiles and behind-the-scenes stories, Alex brings SA sports fans closer to the action. He has reported on key sporting events including Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Super Rugby Pacific and PSL title races.