Bafana Bafana vs Panama: Durban friendly launches 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations
South African football fans are in for a historic night when Bafana Bafana face Panama for the very first time. The international friendly will take place at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, 27 March 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19h00.
Tickets are already on sale through Ticketpro, priced at R80 and R50, and the game will be broadcast live on SABC and SuperSport. For supporters, this fixture is more than just a friendly—it is the symbolic start of South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The clash against Panama offers Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos and his squad a valuable opportunity to test themselves against Central American opposition. Panama, known for their physical approach and tactical discipline, will provide a fresh challenge for Bafana Bafana’s defensive organization and attacking creativity. For fans in Cape Town and across the country, the excitement is palpable, with many treating this match as the first step in a journey that will carry the national team across three nations in North America later this year.
South Africa will compete in Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Mexico, South Korea, and a play-off winner still to be determined. Their campaign will take them to some of the most iconic stadiums in world football: the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City for the clash against Mexico, the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA for the encounter with South Korea, and BC Place in Vancouver, Canada for their match against the play-off winner. This spread across three countries will demand resilience, adaptability, and unity from the squad.
Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group
South Africa will compete in Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they face:
- Mexico
- South Korea
- Play-off Winner (TBD)
2026 FIFA World Cup Stadiums where South Africa will play:
- Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (vs Mexico)
- MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA (vs South Korea)
- BC Place, Vancouver, Canada (vs Play-off Winner)