South Africa has secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, igniting excitement across the nation.

The qualification comes after notable progress under coach Hugo Broos, who has steered the team toward improved performances. However, an underwhelming showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) added pressure on the squad, making the World Cup spot all the more significant for rebuilding confidence.

South Africa has appeared in the FIFA World Cup three times: 1998 (first appearance, eliminated in the group stage), 2002 (group stage exit), and 2010 (hosts, reached the round of 16). The 2010 tournament remains the country’s most memorable World Cup experience.

Johannesburg South has become a breeding ground for national football talent.

Residents of the area have contributed athletes to the various levels of the South African national football team.
Waterstone College, a private school in Kibler Park, boasts a FIFA-accredited football pitch that professional teams use for training camps.

The Mamelodi Sundowns, male and female youth national teams, and recently the U17 Female National Team, have all trained on this pitch ahead of their campaigns.

The schools in Joburg South have nurtured players like Alberton High student Sethabile Kamwande, who has progressed through the South African female national teams and earned a call-up to Banyana Banyana in 2026.

Her rise highlights how schools in Joburg South are producing national players and showcasing the region’s talent pipeline.

Sethabile gave her take on her experience as a player for South Africa.

“It’s an amazing experience with the South Africa women’s national soccer team, starting at age 14 with two national caps in Morocco. The journey emphasised discipline, high coaching standards, and supportive environments that elevate players. Women’s football in South Africa is seen as talented but needing greater recognition and investment to match the quality of the men’s game,” said Sethabile.

For Bafana Bafana, the expectation is that the team is moving in the right direction with hardworking players dedicated to national pride.

The hope is that they will qualify for the later round of the World Cup and perform strongly, building on the historic 2010 hosting experience and aiming to make South Africa proud.

Gavin Andrew, the head of football at Waterstone College, spoke about his pride in his national football team.
“We’re incredibly proud of our alumni who’ve made it to the national teams,” said Gavin Andrew, head of football at Waterstone College.

“Schools in Joburg South are producing top-notch athletes, and it’s a testament to the hard work of our coaches and students. Bafana Bafana’s progress under Hugo Broos has been impressive, and I believe they have a good chance of making a mark at the 2026 World Cup.”

Bafana Bafana’s squad features talented players such as Ronwen Williams, the team captain, and Evidence Makgopa, who scored crucial goals during their World Cup qualification campaign.

The team will face tough competition in the 2026 World Cup, but has shown resilience and determination in recent matches.