When does South Africa open the group stage?

June 11, 2026 against Mexico at Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) in Mexico City.

When is South Africa's second group match?

June 18, 2026 against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium (Atlanta) in Atlanta.

How much time does South Africa get between group matches?

7 days separate the opener and second match, and 6 days separate the second match and the group closer.

How many cities does South Africa use in the group stage?

South Africa play in 3 cities: Mexico City, Atlanta, Monterrey.

When does South Africa close the group stage?

June 24, 2026 against Korea Republic at Monterrey Stadium (Monterrey) in Monterrey.

Group A

South Africa

South Africa are in Group A with Mexico, Korea Republic, Czechia. Their verified group route starts against Mexico in Mexico City, continues with Czechia in Atlanta, and closes against Korea Republic in Monterrey.

Group A · CAF side. The group route moves through Mexico City, Atlanta, Monterrey, with South Africa opening against Mexico and closing against Korea Republic.

Current World Cup 2026 status

South Africa World Cup 2026 status: out after Canada loss

South Africa reached the Round of 32 as Group A runner-up but were eliminated after losing 1-0 to Canada in Inglewood.

StatusEliminated - Round of 32A stoppage-time Canada goal ended South Africa's knockout route in Match 73.See eliminated teams

Group position2nd in Group A4 pts · 1W-1D-1L · 2-3 goals · GD -1Open group table

Latest resultSouth Africa 0-1 CanadaSouth Africa 0-1 Canada is the latest result and closes South Africa's World Cup 2026 campaign.Open match recap

Next stepTournament route closedSouth Africa are now listed with the eliminated teams after exiting in the Round of 32.See eliminated teams

South Africa finished second in Group A before the knockout defeat.

The Canada match stayed tight until stoppage time.

The team page now treats South Africa as eliminated, not simply as a Group A qualifier.

Group facts

Group

Group A

Confederation

CAF

Opponents

Mexico, Korea Republic, Czechia

First match

June 11, 2026

Last match

June 24, 2026

Full section: All teams

Quick team snapshot

With matches spread across Mexico City, Atlanta, Monterrey, South Africa use a different city for each group-stage date.

Opening match: June 11, 2026 against Mexico in Mexico City.
Travel path: Mexico City -> Atlanta -> Monterrey.
Closing match: June 24, 2026 against Korea Republic in Monterrey.
Group-stage window: 13 days from the opener to the closer.

Group-stage route

Opener: South Africa vs Mexico match recap · 2026-06-11 · Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)
Second match: Czechia · 2026-06-18 · Atlanta Stadium (Atlanta)
Group closer: South Africa vs Korea Republic match recap · 2026-06-24 · Monterrey Stadium (Monterrey)

Fixtures hub: Browse all matches · Standings hub: Open group tables · Schedule hub: See stage dates

Related matches

Mexico vs South Africa · June 11, 2026 · Mexico City Stadium · Match recap
South Africa vs Korea Republic · June 24, 2026 · Monterrey Stadium · Match recap
South Africa vs Canada · June 28, 2026 · SoFi Stadium · Match recap

Matches hub: Browse the full fixtures hub

FAQ

When does South Africa open the group stage?: June 11, 2026 against Mexico at Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) in Mexico City.
When is South Africa's second group match?: June 18, 2026 against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium (Atlanta) in Atlanta.
How much time does South Africa get between group matches?: 7 days separate the opener and second match, and 6 days separate the second match and the group closer.
How many cities does South Africa use in the group stage?: South Africa play in 3 cities: Mexico City, Atlanta, Monterrey.
When does South Africa close the group stage?: June 24, 2026 against Korea Republic at Monterrey Stadium (Monterrey) in Monterrey.