It is finally happening. After 16 years away, Bafana Bafana are back at a World Cup, and this one is the biggest the sport has ever seen. 48 teams, three host nations, 104 matches across six weeks, and a small piece of South African soccer history baked right into the opening match.
Here is every question South African fans are asking right now, with the answer you need before kick-off. Bafana fixtures in SA time, the format you might not understand yet, where the boys realistically sit in the betting, and the bits of the tournament most SA articles will not bother explaining.
Open the 10bet World Cup 2026 hub
When does the World Cup start?
Thursday 11 June 2026. Bafana Bafana play Mexico in the opening match of the entire tournament at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Kick-off is 21:00 SAST. There is a 90-minute opening ceremony before the game (more on that further down, because there is a real South African moment in it).
When is the final?
Sunday 19 July 2026 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, kick-off 21:00 SAST. Bafana would need to win 7 knockout games on the trot to be there. Not impossible. Not very likely either. We will deal with that when we get there.
What are all the tournament dates?
- Group stage: 11 to 27 June
- Round of 32: 28 June to 3 July
- Round of 16: 4 to 7 July
- Quarter-finals: 9 to 11 July
- Semi-finals: 14 to 15 July
- Third-place playoff: 18 July
- Final: 19 July
View group by group information here: https://www.10bet.co.za/world-cup-2026/groups/ or match by match predictions here.
Where is the tournament being played?
Across three countries for the first time in World Cup history: the USA, Mexico and Canada. There are 16 stadiums hosting matches. 11 in the US, three in Mexico, two in Canada. The USA last hosted in 1994. Mexico hosted in 1970 and 1986. Canada has never hosted before.
Fun stat for the SA football brain: the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City becomes the first venue in history to host games at three different World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026). And we get to open it again, just like in 2010.
When does Bafana play?
Bafana are in Group A with Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea. Three group games, three different stories. All times in SAST.
- Wednesday 11 June, 21:00 SAST: Mexico vs South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico City. The tournament opener.
- Wednesday 18 June, 18:00 SAST: Czech Republic vs South Africa. The middle fixture. The one Bafana need points from.
- Wednesday 25 June, 03:00 SAST: South Africa vs South Korea. The decider. Brace yourself for the early start.
Yes, the South Korea game is 3am. We know. Set an alarm, make coffee, treat it like a New Year’s Eve.
What time do the rest of the games kick off in SA?
Most matches kick off between 18:00 and 06:00 SAST. The Mexican and US fixtures are friendlier to SA viewing windows (afternoon and evening at home). The West Coast and late Canadian games run very late or very early. The full schedule sits on the Today’s Matches page.
Who has qualified?
48 teams in total. The first World Cup with this many teams. The big names you would expect are all there: Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Spain, England, Portugal. Plus the African contingent includes Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde and DR Congo alongside Bafana.
Notable absences: Italy, Serbia, Greece, Hungary, Nigeria, Cameroon, China and India. Russia remain suspended indefinitely.
Who are the World Cup debutants?
Four nations are playing in their first ever World Cup: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan. Cape Verde is a fellow African nation, so they pick up some SA support by default. Curaçao becomes the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup (about 150,000 people on a Caribbean island).
How does the new 48-team format work?
Used to be eight groups of four. Now it is 12 groups of four. Each team plays three group games. The top two from each group qualify automatically. The eight best-ranked third-placed sides across the 12 groups also qualify. That means 32 teams progress (up from 16), which is why there is a new Round of 32 step before the Round of 16.
Who progresses from each group?
- Top two automatic
- Plus the 8 best third-placed sides across all 12 groups
- If teams are tied on points, head-to-head record decides
- If still tied, goal difference in head-to-head matches
- If still tied, goals scored in head-to-head matches
Translation for Bafana fans: even if Bafana finish third in Group A, they can still progress. The new third-placed route is real, and it suits sides like ours that draw more games than they win.
Who are the favourites?
Bookmaker consensus puts France and Spain as joint favourites at around 4.50. England follow at roughly 6.50, Brazil at 8.00, Argentina and Portugal both around 10.00.
Opta’s pre-tournament model has it a bit different: Spain alone at the top (16.1% to win), France second (13%), England third (11.2%), Argentina fourth (10.4%). The model and the bookies broadly agree on the top four, in different orders.
See current World Cup winner odds
Where does Bafana sit in the betting?
Outright winner: around 500 to 1. Group A finish: bookmakers have Bafana fourth in the group on most boards, with 2.20 to qualify (third place counts) and roughly 1.60 to not qualify.
The realistic SA fan bet is not the outright. It is “Bafana to qualify from group” at 2.20, or one of the individual Bafana fixtures where the price has value (the Czech Republic game is the most balanced).
Who could spring a surprise?
Host nations are dangerous. In the previous 22 World Cups, the host has failed to progress to the knockouts only three times. The USA, Mexico and Canada all benefit from home soil. Erling Haaland’s Norway are also picking up “dark horse” backing in their first World Cup since 1998. Morocco arrive with their 2022 semi-final pedigree still fresh. Japan are quietly impressive: 54 goals in 16 qualifying games, just three conceded.
Is there a Group of Death?
Group I is the one. France, Senegal, Norway and Iraq. Two-time champions, an African powerhouse, Haaland and Odegaard, plus Iraq holding the long-shot ticket. Brutal.
For Bafana fans, the consolation is that Group A is one of the easier-looking groups. Mexico are clear favourites, but Czech Republic and South Korea are both beatable.
Is Tyla performing at the opening ceremony?
Yes. Properly yes. Shakira and Burna Boy headline the opening ceremony in Mexico City before the Bafana vs Mexico game, with Tyla joining them alongside Colombian singer J Balvin. So a Saffa is performing on the biggest soccer stage in the world, 90 minutes before our team kicks off the tournament. There is a separate ceremony in Toronto (Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette) and a third one in Los Angeles (Katy Perry and Future) before USA vs Paraguay on 12 June.
What is the official ball called?
Adidas TRIONDA, which is Spanish for “three waves.” The colours are red, blue and green, matching the three host nations. It replaces the JABULANI (the 2010 ball that goalkeepers complained about for years afterwards).
How hot will the games be?
Hot. Climate researchers have warned that 14 of the 16 venues will reach dangerous heat conditions during the tournament. Only three stadiums have air conditioning: AT&T Stadium in Dallas, NRG Stadium in Houston and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
FIFA’s response: a mandatory three-minute refreshment break in each half of every match. This applies to all 104 games. It is a tournament-wide cooling break, not a stoppage for injury.
How big are the stadiums?
AT&T Stadium in Dallas is the biggest at 94,000 (home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys). BMO Field in Toronto is the smallest at 45,000. The Estadio Azteca, where Bafana open the tournament, seats about 87,000 and is at 2,250 metres above sea level. Altitude matters: most of the Bafana squad does not train at that height regularly. Mexico do.
Will VAR be used?
Yes, and more of it than before. The new VAR scope at this tournament:
- Second yellow cards now reviewable
- Corners reviewable for incorrect awards
- Cases of mistaken identity
- Offences before a set-piece is taken
The 2018 and 2022 VAR scope is also still in (goals, penalties, red cards). If you thought VAR was busy before, it is busier now.
How many substitutions can a team make?
Five substitutions in regular time, plus a sixth in extra time. Subs are made in three windows plus half-time. New rule: substituted players must leave the pitch within 10 seconds or their replacement waits on the sideline for a full minute.
How do yellow card bans work?
A player picks up a one-match ban after two yellow cards across different games. After the group stage, the slate gets wiped. After the quarter-finals, it gets wiped again. So a Bafana player who picks up a yellow against Mexico and another against the Czechs is suspended for the South Korea game.
Who are the biggest stars at the tournament?
Lionel Messi (Argentina, sixth World Cup, probably his last). Kylian Mbappe (France, defending Golden Boot winner). Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, also his sixth and last). Erling Haaland (Norway, finally at his first). Lamine Yamal (Spain, the breakout of Euro 2024). Harry Kane (England, still scoring). Vinicius Jr (Brazil).
Bafana’s stars to watch?
Three names you want to follow closely:
- Lyle Foster. The Burnley striker. AFCON goalscorer. Bafana’s most likely route to a Group A goal.
- Relebohile Mofokeng. The 21-year-old Orlando Pirates winger. The player every SA fan wants to see explode on the world stage. Linked with European clubs all summer.
- Ronwen Williams. The captain and the goalkeeper. The man Bafana lean on when matches get heavy.
Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba are the experienced spine. Mbekezeli Mbokazi (now at Chicago Fire) is the breakout central defender to watch.
Can Bafana realistically progress?
Yes. Not certain, but yes. Bookmaker consensus has Bafana fourth in Group A on paper. But the new third-placed qualification route is the lifeline. Four points from three games could be enough. So a result against the Czech Republic and even a single point elsewhere puts Bafana in the conversation.
For context: of the four Group A teams, only Mexico sits inside Opta’s top 20 ranked sides. The Czechs and South Korea are not. Bafana’s group is winnable in a way the world rankings make easier than it sounds.
Will Messi and Ronaldo finally meet?
Possibly. They have never faced each other at a World Cup despite both being at six tournaments now. The earliest possible meeting is the Round of 16 if both finish second in their groups. Most likely scenario is the quarter-finals (both finish top). The dream is the final.
Who is favourite for the Golden Boot?
Kylian Mbappé at around 6.50. Defending the title he won at Qatar. Harry Kane second favourite at around 7.50. Haaland at 12. Messi at 14. Lamine Yamal at 16. Cristiano Ronaldo at 18. Lyle Foster’s odds sit much longer but a small punt at long odds is part of the fun.
Can Argentina retain the trophy?
It has not been done in 64 years (Brazil 1958 and 1962). Argentina arrive with Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and the spine of the 2022 champions. Concerns over Messi’s fitness at 38 are real, but Argentina topped CONMEBOL qualifying convincingly. They have a chance.
Who is playing in their last World Cup?
Messi (38, sixth tournament). Ronaldo (41, sixth). Luka Modric (40, fifth, pulling Croatia’s strings). Manuel Neuer (out of international retirement for one last go). Edin Dzeko (Bosnia). Likely also: Son Heung-min, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Kevin De Bruyne, Virgil van Dijk all entering their mid-30s. Most of these names will not feature in 2030.
What do the winners get?
USD 50 million in prize money for the winner. A 50% increase on Qatar 2022. Plus the trophy. Plus that small extra star on the jersey that lasts forever.
How do I bet on the World Cup from South Africa?
Through any licensed SA operator. 10bet runs a full World Cup 2026 hub with markets for every fixture, outright winner markets, group winner markets, top scorer, props, and a dedicated Bafana page. Minimum bet R5. New players can claim a welcome offer that includes a free bet on sports and free spins.
Open the Bafana page or register on 10bet.
What if I am only going to follow Bafana?
Then bookmark three pages. The Bafana team page (everything in one place). The Group A page (so you can watch the table shake out). The Today’s Matches page (so you know what is on at any hour). That is your World Cup, sorted.
FAQs
When is the first Bafana World Cup game in 2026?
Wednesday 11 June 2026, against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Kick-off is 21:00 SAST. It is the opening match of the entire tournament.
What time are the Bafana games in SA time?
Mexico vs Bafana: 21:00 SAST on 11 June. Czech Republic vs Bafana: 18:00 SAST on 18 June. Bafana vs South Korea: 03:00 SAST on 25 June (the brutal one).
What group is South Africa in for the 2026 World Cup?
Group A, with Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea. Mexico are the host and favourites, the Czech Republic and Korea are roughly evenly matched with Bafana on most boards.
How does the new 48-team World Cup format work?
12 groups of four teams. Top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed sides qualify for the Round of 32. The Round of 32 then feeds the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. The new third-placed route gives sides like Bafana a real second chance.
Where can I watch the 2026 World Cup in South Africa?
Confirmed broadcast details for SA viewers will sit on the 10bet World Cup hub closer to each fixture. Always check the latest schedule, because broadcast and streaming availability can shift in the final week before kick-off.
Are Bafana favourites to win the 2026 World Cup?
No. Bafana are heavy underdogs at around 500 to 1 in bookmaker outright pricing. The realistic and far more interesting market is “Bafana to qualify from Group A” at around 2.20.
Who are the big favourites to win the 2026 World Cup?
France and Spain are joint favourites at around 4.50, followed by England at 6.50, Brazil at 8.00, and Argentina and Portugal both around 10.00. Opta’s analytical model leans slightly more heavily on Spain at 16.1% to win.
Is the opening ceremony worth watching for SA fans?
Yes. South African superstar Tyla is performing alongside Shakira, Burna Boy and J Balvin in Mexico City before the Bafana opener. 90 minutes before kick-off on 11 June.
What is the new VAR scope for the 2026 World Cup?
VAR can now rule on incorrectly awarded second yellow cards and corners, mistaken identity, and offences before a set-piece. All of the existing scope (goals, penalties, red cards) still applies.
How many substitutes can a team make?
Five subs in regulation, six if the match goes to extra time. Subs are made in three windows plus half-time. New rule: a substituted player must exit the pitch within 10 seconds or the substitute waits an additional minute.
What is the prize money for winning the 2026 World Cup?
USD 50 million for the winning nation. 50% more than the 2022 prize. FIFA’s revenue from the tournament is projected at around USD 9 billion.
For more guides, read our Bafana 2026 World Cup profile, Lorenz Kohler’s predicted XI on The Bettor Pod, the Mexico host-nation profile, and the 10bet World Cup 2026 hub tour. Play responsibly. 18+ only. Markets may change.
