SA's national men’s football team, the Bafana Bafana, competes on the world stage and drives SA’s football narrative.
Iraq has secured a playoff win and earned a spot in the 2026 World Cup, despite a grueling travel saga. Players and staff faced long, interrupted journeys from Baghdad to Amman, then to Mexico, before beating Bolivia 2-1 to reach the final. Back home, celebrations electrify Baghdad as the nation basks in a rare moment of national unity.
South Korea has beaten the Czech Republic 2-1 in Guadalajara as Oh Hyeon-gyu seals victory after Hwang In-beom’s equaliser, with Son Heung-min’s side top of Group A alongside Mexico.
South Korea has exited the World Cup group stage after a 1-0 loss in Monterrey, prompting the resignation of head coach Hong Myung-bo. Son Heung-min has apologized to fans, while South Korea’s president calls for sports-administration reforms. The team’s rising generation had been seen as key to future success.
South Africa has mourned the death of Jayden Adams, a midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, aged 25. The minister of sport confirmed the death; police are investigating the circumstances. Adams helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage and win the CAF Champions League with Sundowns.