SAFA confirm venues for Bafana’s World Cup warm-ups

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has officially designated Durban and Cape Town as the launchpads for Bafana Bafana’s final preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Hugo Broos’ charges are set to host Central American side Panama in two high-profile international friendlies next month. The double-header is a calculated move designed to simulate the challenges they will face against co-hosts Mexico in Group A.

The tour kicks off at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, March 27. Following the coastal opener, the squad will travel to the Mother City to conclude the series at the DHL Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday, March 31.

Tactical Simulation: The CONCACAF Connection

South Africa’s return to the world stage is their first appearance since the historic 2010 tournament on home soil. Drawn in a formidable Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and a UEFA play-off winner, Broos has been deliberate in his selection of sparring partners.

By facing Panama—a fellow member of the CONCACAF region—twice in four days, South Africa will gain firsthand experience with the physical and tactical style prevalent in Central and North America. This “cloning” of the Mexico challenge allows Broos to test his defensive structures against a similar brand of football.

This marks the fourth time South Africa will grace the global spectacle. While their group rivals will also be active during the March FIFA window, Broos is banking on the home support in Durban and Cape Town to sharpen his squad’s competitive edge.

However, the strategy has sparked some debate. Former Bafana defender Matthew Booth has publicly questioned the decision to play the same opponent twice, suggesting that exposing the players to a variety of footballing cultures might have been a more robust way to prepare for the diverse threats of a World Cup group stage.

SAFA’s Full Statement On Bafana Bafana World Cup Prep

“Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium and DHL Cape Town Stadium will host Bafana Bafana’s two international friendly matches against Panama next month,” said SAFA on Wednesday evening.

“The South African senior men’s national team host the first match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday 27 March before facing the Central American country in the second game in Cape Town on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

“The matches form a critical component of head coach Hugo Broos’ build-up programme ahead of the global tournament, which will be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

“Bafana Bafana return to Durban for the first time since they were held to goalless draw by Zimbabwe in a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in October 2025.

“The South Africans threw everything they had at the Zimbabweans, but luck was not on their side as the ball was cleared off the line and then the goalposts kept it out of the back of the net on two occasions. They picked themselves up and wrapped up qualification after they beat Rwanda 3-0 in an exhilarating match in Mbombela.

“Tickets to the two matches between Bafana Bafana and Panama will open from R80.00 for adults and R50.00 for children under 12 years old. The tickets will be available from Thursday, 26 February 2026.”