Bafana To Arrive On Thursday Morning
Bafana Bafana are expected to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport early on Thursday morning following their historic, yet challenging, 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The squad departed Los Angeles, USA, on Tuesday and is scheduled to land at approximately 05:30. Following their arrival, the players will take a short break before they begin preparations for the upcoming domestic season with their clubs.
South Africa’s tournament journey came to an end on Sunday after a narrow 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32, halting their hopes of progressing further.
Despite the elimination, the campaign stands as a historic achievement for Bafana Bafana, who reached the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in their four tournament appearances.
South Africa endured a difficult start to the tournament, losing their opening match against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. They finished that match with nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off. Zwane was subsequently handed a three-match ban by FIFA, which he has since served.
Heading into their second Group A match, Bafana Bafana showed immense improvement, securing a vital draw against Czechia thanks to a Tebogo Mokoena penalty. Sitting at the bottom of the group with one game remaining, Hugo Broos’ men were ultimately rewarded for their resilience, defeating South Korea 1-0 to miraculously book their place in the knockout stages.
The defeat to Canada marked the final match in charge for Broos, who confirmed he would step down after the tournament.
As previously revealed by this publication, Pitso Mosimane is currently considered the heavy favorite to take over the national team reins.
