South Africa
The story
Qualified through a competitive confederation campaign with a balanced squad of European-based regulars and emerging domestic talent.
How they got here
Returned to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 after an emotional CAF push.
Expectations
Targeting a place in the knockout round and the chance to spoil a favorite's run.
Manager & key players
Group A
MexicoFIFA #14
South AfricaFIFA #50
South KoreaFIFA #22
Czech RepublicFIFA #43
Upcoming matches
Latest news & commentary
updated daily- Aug 1Injury
Squad announcement pending trained without restriction on Tuesday and is expected to be available for the opener.
- Jul 30Camp
South Africa open their pre-tournament camp this week with a full-squad fitness block before the first friendly.
- Jul 28Tactics
— has hinted at a tweaked back-three shape in training, freeing Squad announcement pending into a roaming role.
- Jul 26Form
South Africa have lost just one of their last ten competitive fixtures heading into the tournament.
- Jul 24Press
Local press has zeroed in on midfield balance — depth behind the regular starters remains the open question.