The Hugo Broos-led Bafana Bafana surge up FIFA rankings, as World Cup dreams ignite

Bafana Bafana is enjoying an exhilarating moment in the football spotlight, as South Africa’s national team climbs up the latest FIFA world rankings, demonstrating relentless momentum and skill.

With an impressive record in the World Cup qualifiers — including a resounding 3-0 victory over Lesotho and a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Nigeria's Super Eagles — the squad has solidified its position as the log-leader of Group C. This string of results has propelled Bafana Bafana from tenth to ninth place among Africa’s football elites, a clear testament to their resilience and burgeoning talent.

The national team, now on an impressive 22-match unbeaten run, has kindled hopes of World Cup qualification under the shrewd management of Belgian coach Hugo Broos. His impact has been transformative; when he took over from Molefi Ntseki in May 2021, Bafana was languishing at 75th in the world rankings, struggling even to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Now, with their recent achievements, they find themselves ranked 55th globally, having leapfrogged teams like Mali and reinvigorated the pride of South African football fans. Broos has led the team to notable successes, including a third-place finish at the 2022 AFCON. There are greater prospects in store for a return to this prestigious continental tournament later this year in Morocco.

The team’s journey marks a stark contrast to their previous struggles, with fans now buzzing with excitement about what lies ahead. A top-50 ranking is tantalisingly close on the horizon, contingent upon Bafana Bafana’s performance in their upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda this October. Securing victories in these fixtures would significantly simplify their pathway to the World Cup next year.

If Bafana can maintain the momentum and navigate through the group stages of AFCON, they may be on the brink of a resurgence that culminates in World Cup qualification — and foster a new generation of football prowess in the country.

The last time South Africa was in the top 50 was in October 2011, reaching position 49. Their all-time high was an impressive 16th place back in August 1996, months after clinching the AFCON title on home soil.

Look out, world — Bafana Bafana are back on the rise! The exhilaration surrounding their ascent is palpable, as fans across the nation remain hopeful that this could be the dawn of a new era for South African football.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns star attacker Themba Zwane has been ruled out of crucial qualifier fixtures in October. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed the disappointing news this week following a muscle injury diagnosis that will see the versatile playmaker sidelined for over a month.

At 36, Zwane has been a tremendous asset for both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, consistently delivering stellar performances despite battling injury setbacks in recent years. His struggles began in late 2023 when he sustained an Achilles injury while playing for South Africa against Congo during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. Since then, his fitness has remained a concern, most recently exacerbated by a muscle injury sustained in a midweek 3-0 league victory over Magesi shortly after returning from a thigh issue.

Moreover, Zwane's absence will also impact the CAF Champions League, where Sundowns will kick off their campaign without their influential midfielder. As both his club and country gear up for intense matches ahead, fans will be hoping for a swift and healthy return for this skilled player whose experience will be crucial in the coming months.