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.

Bafana Bafana Building Momentum for World Cup Group A

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off on June 11, Hugo Broos and his technical staff are already shaping a clear roadmap toward tournament readiness. South Africa has been drawn into Group A, where they are scheduled to face co-hosts Mexico, Asian powerhouse South Korea, and one European side emerging from the UEFA playoffs.

The potential European opponents include Denmark, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, or North Macedonia. Each represents a distinct tactical challenge, underlining the need for carefully selected warm-up matches.

SAFA confirmed that the March opponents were chosen specifically to mirror the physical intensity, tactical discipline, and tempo Bafana Bafana will face at the World Cup. While the identities of the friendly opponents have not yet been revealed, the association emphasized that the goal is to provide realistic, high-level competition rather than experimental fixtures.

Regrouping After AFCON Disappointment

The March friendlies also offer an opportunity for reflection and rebuilding following South Africa’s Round of 16 exit at the 2025 AFCON. Bafana Bafana bowed out after a 2–1 defeat to Cameroon, a match that exposed areas requiring improvement, particularly in game management and defensive concentration during crucial moments.

For Broos, the upcoming international window is less about results and more about refinement. The coaching staff intends to use the matches to:

• Test tactical combinations under match conditions similar to World Cup football

• Assess squad depth, particularly fringe players pushing for final selection

• Evaluate player fitness and chemistry after a long club season

• Reconnect with home supporters ahead of the team’s departure to North America

These objectives highlight the importance of the March camp as a foundation phase rather than a final rehearsal.

Bafana Bafana’s March international friendlies form a crucial phase in Hugo Broos’ 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations, offering competitive exposure against World Cup-level opposition.