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FIFA World Cup Trophy seen on the image above.
T.S. Galaxy Coach Adnan Beganovic believes Bafana Bafana have what it takes to reach the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time. This will be South Africa’s fourth participation at the World Cup.
They have never gone beyond the first round. It’s only 65 days to go before the global soccer showpiece gets underway.
Bafana Bafana will kick off the tournament against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on the 11th of June. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will be the first to host 48 teams.
It will be made up of 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group, plus the eight best, third-placed teams will advance to the round of 32.
Beganovic says he’s looking forward to watch both Bafana Bafana and his native country Bosnia and Herzegovina at this year’s event. This will be Bosnia’s first World Cup since the 2014 edition in Brazil, and Beganovic is thrilled with this achievement.
“Actually, it’s a nice and beautiful feeling that it’s once again a big success for our country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with two and a half million people, to qualify again for the World Cup. It was also an amazing achievement after two tough play-off games against Wales and Italy, but in the end we seized the last chance to go to the World Cup. And, you know, I have a reason to support two national teams: South Africa and Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Bafana Bafana exited the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan with four points, after drawing with Paraguay and beating Slovenia in their second match.
They then lost 3-2 to Spain. The same thing happened in 2010, when South Africa hosted the tournament. They drew their opening match with Mexico, then lost to Uruguay, before upsetting France 2-1 in their final match.
“You know, I would say the South African team is a very strong team, and they have a chance at the World Cup to get past the group stage—and who knows what could happen if any country makes it through. I think it’s unusual to have one national team with 95% of its players coming from the domestic league. It’s also good that players who compete against each other understand and support one another. I think that feeling among the Bafana Bafana players can be crucial as well. I expect Bafana Bafana to progress beyond the group stage,” says Beganovic.
Beganovic added that the 2026 World Cup will give South Africa an opportunity to showcase their talent to the rest of the world. TS Galaxy has produced at least two players in the current Bafana Bafana squad, they are defenders Khulumani Ndamane, and Samukelo Kabini.
“Especially for our players Kabini and Khulumani, because we produced both of them, we can be happy that TS Galaxy has supported Bafana Bafana by developing two excellent players. I think now, after some time since 2010, Bafana Bafana have that chance to show their quality. You know, it’s not only about Bafana Bafana – this is also an opportunity for players to demonstrate what they do in the league and how strong we are as the PSL. This can also attract attention from those looking to scout and find good players in this country, because there is amazing talent here, and we have to support and promote everything that Bafana Bafana do,” says Beganovic
Meanwhile, four Betway Premiership matches will be played on Tuesday night. Defending champions and current leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, have a chance to extend their lead when they visit Durban City.
Second-placed Orlando Pirates host Golden Arrows at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
In two other matches, Chippa United will be at home against Siwelele FC, with bottom of the log Magesi FC welcoming 14th placed Marumo Gallants.
All maches kick-off 19:30.
🚨⚽️ NEXT MATCH!⚽️🚨@TSGALAXYFC vs Polokwane City FC
📅Date: 8 April 2026
🕒Time: 19:30 pm
🏟Location: Solomon Mahlangu Stadium@aQuelle @aQuelleViV#Siyadumuza #TheRockets #TSG pic.twitter.com/7Mad1xjILf— TS Galaxy FC (@TSGALAXYFC) April 7, 2026
