This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 11 June.

The plan

Under Hugo Broos South Africa have moved from a timid team who could barely qualify for major tournaments to one that have now reached three in a row, including the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023 and 2025 as well as this year’s World Cup.

The Belgian was appointed in 2021, when South Africa had not reached a World Cup in 11 years. In 2010, of course, they were the first African country to host. The last time Bafana Bafana navigated qualification was back in 2002.

This time they had to dig deep due to an administrative error that resulted in them forfeiting a match against Lesotho that they had won 2-0. They inadvertently fielded the suspended Teboho Mokoena in that game and were docked three points, meaning a nervous wait until the group concluded. South Africa ultimately pipped Nigeria by one point to top the group.

“It’s been an amazing journey, with a lot of good and bad moments where we had to draw strength from each other,” the captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams told SABC Sport after qualifying had been clinched.

Grouped with the co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and Czechia, South Africa’s prospects of reaching the knockout phase for the first time appear remote, however. “It will be a very good experience for our team,” Broos said. “It’s something we need, to play against such teams. We will learn a lot and then we will see. In football anything is possible. We will fight like we have done in recent years.”

South Africa’s squad is made up mainly of players in the domestic league with the forwards Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis two of the most important. Counterattacks will be key.

The coach

A former Belgium international defender, Hugo Broos represented two clubs – Anderlecht and Club Brugge – during an 18-year playing career. After retiring in 1988 he moved into coaching, taking charge of clubs in Belgium, Greece and Turkey. His first foray into international coaching came in 2016 when he was appointed by Cameroon, leading them to victory at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Four years later came the offer from South Africa and he has transformed the team. Bafana Bafana have gone from playing in empty stadiums to selling out arenas. ”People love Bafana Bafana again and they are coming to the stadium to support us,” he says.

Star player

Broos and his technical team have built a side that makes it difficult to pinpoint a star player. This is a group who focus on teamwork. But there are a handful of players that form the spine of the team, including Williams in goal and the defender Khuliso Mudau. However, the “glue player” is the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena. The 29-year-old provides a healthy balance between defence and attack, as well as contributing from set pieces.

One to watch

Relebohile Mofokeng is one of the most popular players in South Africa, revered by fans of his club, Orlando Pirates. However, he is yet to show his best form for the national team. The World Cup will provide him with a platform and Broos has suggested the 21-year-old will be handed more responsibility in North America. Mofokeng brings goals, assists and flair. It is up to him to deliver on the biggest stage.

Unsung hero

The Burnley striker Lyle Foster does not receive the praise he deserves when representing his country. Maybe because he does not have the flair and flamboyance of some of his more popular teammates. Yet, as the focal point of the attack, Foster’s contribution is vital. Even when he does not directly contribute a goal or assist, his aerial prowess and hold-up play are crucial to Bafana Bafana’s attack.

Probable starting XI

What to expect from the fans

Just like South Africa’s multi-coloured flag, the country’s football supporters bring a vocally and visually vibrant personality. One of their most popular songs is Shosholoza, that originated among South Africa’s miners during British colonial rule. However, because of the high cost of travelling to North America, there will be little support in the stadiums. The department of sport has sourced private funding to send 20 lucky fans to the team’s opening match against Mexico.

Relationship with the US/Trump

The US-South Africa relationship has been frosty during Donald Trump’s second administration. Trump’s government has claimed there is a genocide against white people in South Africa, and created refugee and asylum programmes for white Afrikaners looking to escape. Only a handful of South Africans have taken up the offer. A 2025 trip to the White House by the president, Cyril Ramaphosa, aimed at dispelling the fake news, has not stopped the US government from expressing its dislike for South Africa.

Yanga Sibembe writes for Daily Maverick