Ramaphosa Challenges Bafana: “We Do Not Want Group Stage Exit”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has thrown down a massive challenge to Bafana Bafana, declaring that the national team must break tradition and advance past the group stages at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The President issued the directive at the Union Buildings on Wednesday, where head coach Hugo Broos officially announced his final 26-man squad traveling to the global showpiece co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico this June.
President Ramaphosa graced the prestigious send-off ceremony, shaking hands with each of the 26 players as Broos read out their names.
Breaking the Historical Duck
This tournament marks South Africa’s first FIFA World Cup appearance since they hosted the event in 2010.
Historically, Bafana Bafana have never progressed past the group stages in their previous three tournament appearances (1998, 2002, and 2010).
In fact, the national team, in nine matches, has only ever recorded two World Cup match victories in its history: a 1-0 win against Slovenia in 2002, and the famous 2-1 triumph over France in 2010.
However, Ramaphosa wants this generation to rewrite history when they kick off their Group A campaign.
“Bafana Bafana is back amongst the giants of world football,” Ramaphosa addressed the squad.
“For many years, the people of South Africa have longed for this moment through trials and disappointments, through difficult qualifying campaigns and rebuilding seasons. But South Africans have never stopped believing in this team. We supported you in our homes, in our communities, in our stadiums, and in our hearts.
“Today, that faith has been rekindled and rewarded by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup. You have already written your names into the proud sporting history of our country. But fellow South Africans, I am not satisfied with just qualifying alone. No, we do not want a group stage exit. We do not want an early departure. We do not want the words ‘eliminated’ or ‘bowing out’. We want to see you compete with courage, determination, and belief until the very end.”
Bafana Bafana will leave for Mexico, with SAFA having already locked down Pachuca as Bafana Bafana’s official tournament training base camp, on Sunday. They will play a warm-up match against the 131st-ranked side, Nicaragua, at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday.
Bafana Bafana Group A World Cup Schedule:
Bafana Bafana face a demanding group-stage itinerary across Mexico and the United States:
- 11 June 2026: Mexico vs South Africa – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- 18 June 2026: Czech Republic vs South Africa – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (USA)
- 25 June 2026: South Korea vs South Africa – Estadio BBVA, Monterrey (Mexico)
