Highest Since 2010: Bafana Break Into World Top 50
There is positive news for Bafana Bafana after the national team climbed four spots in the latest FIFA World Rankings, marking their highest placement since 2010.
The sustained ascent follows the groundwork laid during Hugo Broos’ tenure and a seamless transition to his successor, Pitso Mosimane. South Africa now sits 50th in the global standings.
Broos, the longest-serving coach in Bafana Bafana history, departed in July after guiding South Africa to a historic FIFA World Cup run, where they reached the Round of 32 before bowing out to co-hosts Canada.
Mosimane officially took the reins in August, kicking off his second spell in charge with a 2-1 victory over Guinea in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
That result elevated Bafana to 50th globally—their highest ranking since 17 July 2010, when South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup and exited in the group stage.
On the continental stage, South Africa has consolidated its position inside the CAF top 10. They sit just behind Tunisia, Mali, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, and top-ranked Morocco, who maintain their position as Africa’s highest-ranked nation.
Bafana Bafana could climb further when FIFA releases its next rankings on 7 October, provided they secure a victory against 184th-ranked Eritrea in Egypt on Wednesday in their second Group D qualifier. Following that match, South Africa will face Egypt in a friendly at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October.
