Bafana Rise Up World Ranking After Eritrea Rout
Just a day after thrashing Eritrea 5–0 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Wednesday, Bafana Bafana have climbed another spot in the live FIFA world rankings.
South Africa are now provisionally ranked 49th in the world, having moved up to 50th earlier this week following their 2–1 victory over Guinea in their AFCON qualifying opener. This marks Bafana Bafana’s highest ranking position since 2005.
However, the ranking remains provisional until FIFA publishes its official update on 7 October.
FIFA calculates live rankings during international windows, but these remain unofficial until all scheduled fixtures are formally ratified as official International ‘A’ matches.
Reaching the top 50 carries significant practical benefits for South African football. Under current UK work permit regulations (Governing Body Endorsement), breaking into FIFA’s top 50 makes it considerably easier for PSL players to transfer directly to English Premier League clubs without requiring special appeals or intermediate stepping-stone moves.
Bafana Bafana top Group D in AFCON qualifying with six points from two matches under new head coach Pitso Mosimane.
They will conclude the extended international break with a high-profile friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday.
