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Best 3rd-Placed Teams, Bafana Not In Top 12

Sinethemba Sithole

Sinethemba Sithole

June 21, 2026

Bafana Bafana will be hoping to advance to the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, either by finishing as runners-up in their group or by securing one of the eight places available for the best third-placed teams.

South Africa suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening match last week before earning their first point of the tournament with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic on Thursday.

The result leaves Bafana at the bottom of Group A with just one point from two matches.

Their chances of progressing remain alive, but their current goal difference of minus two could prove costly in the race for a place among the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

The Czech Republic, who are also in Group A alongside South Africa, currently sit seventh in the best third-placed teams standings with a goal difference of minus one.

Bafana will return to action against South Korea on Thursday, 25 June, at the Estadio Monterrey in Mexico. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00am (SAST), with South Africa needing a positive result to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

TABLE FOR BEST THIRD-PLACED TEAMS:

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