Bafana Set For High-Quality Clashes Before World Cup
Bafana Bafana has received a major boost from FIFA, with the national team likely to be involved in high-quality friendly matches in March next year—just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
These fixtures would provide ideal preparation for coach Hugo Broos and his players ahead of the expanded 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Having qualified for their first FIFA World Cup since 2002, Bafana could face opponents from Africa as well as Europe, South America, or North America.
Such variety would offer Broos strong preparation, especially with the World Cup draw—scheduled for 5 December in the USA—potentially placing South Africa against teams from various continents.
During the pilot phase of the FIFA Series in March 2024, Bafana Bafana were invited to Algeria, where they played Andorra and the hosts. They drew both matches—1-1 against Andorra and 3-3 against Algeria, with Themba Zwane scoring twice in the latter encounter.
“FIFA has confirmed that the FIFA Series 2026™ will take place during the international match windows in March and April next year, offering national teams from different continents a unique platform to compete and connect beyond their traditional confederation boundaries,” FIFA said in a statement.
“Building on the success of the pilot edition held in March 2024, the FIFA Series 2026 marks the first full-scale implementation of this initiative, featuring more Participating Member Associations (PMAs), more hosts and, for the first time, a dedicated women’s iteration.
“The expanded format is designed to facilitate more meaningful international matches and contribute directly to global football development.
“The FIFA Series™ aligns with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023–2027, which focus on creating more opportunities for competitive balance, technical growth, and cross-continental exchange.
“The format provides a pathway for national teams that rarely face opponents from other continents.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino added: “The FIFA Series is about unlocking development potential for players, coaches and fans while promoting football’s universality and diversity through meaningful matches.
“The 2026 edition will further enhance that impact on men’s and women’s football alike.
“By connecting nations through competition, the FIFA Series aims to strengthen the game at every level—bringing local communities to the global stage.”
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana are preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which takes place from 21 December to 18 January.
