SAFA confirms March dates for Bafana World Cup warm-ups

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced that Bafana Bafana will return to action this March with two international friendly matches. The fixtures are a core part of head coach Hugo Broos’s build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The matches, scheduled to be played on home soil between March 27 and 31, will serve as the first major gathering for the national team since their Round of 16 exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Bafana Building for Group A

With the World Cup set to kick off on June 11 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Broos is prioritising opposition that can simulate the physical and tactical demands of Group A. South Africa is slated to face co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and a UEFA playoff winner (either Denmark, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, or North Macedonia).

SAFA emphasised that the upcoming opponents were selected to provide a “competitive, physical and tactically disciplined test” that aligns with the level Bafana will encounter on the global stage.

Regrouping After AFCON

Following a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in their last competitive outing, these friendlies offer a vital opportunity for Broos to refine his squad. The March window allows the coaching staff to:

Test tactical combinations under realistic conditions.

Evaluate squad depth ahead of the final tournament selection.

Reconnect with home supporters before departing for North America.

Match Details

While the dates are confirmed, SAFA is yet to announce the specific venues and kick-off times for the two matches. The association indicated that ticketing information and stadium details will be revealed in the coming days.

As the countdown to South Africa’s first World Cup appearance since 2010 continues, these fixtures represent a practical step in ensuring the squad is battle-hardened and ready for the world’s elite.