South Africa Dates Panama For World Cup Preps

Oswin Appollis of South Africa runs to celebrate his goal after converting from the penalty spot during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations match between Zimbabwe and South Africa at Marrakech Stadium in Morocco on 29 December 2025 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Ahead of the upcoming World Cup, South Africa will face Panama in two international friendly matches, SAFA has announced.

The United States of America, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting the World Cup event, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Bafana Bafana is in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and the winner of the UEFA Playoff D (Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, or North Macedonia).

The two international friendly matches are part of preparations for the upcoming World Cup tournament slated for later this year.

The 2010 World Cup hosts, will mark their fourth appearance at the tournament, with a target to go past the group stage this time around

“Bafana Bafana will face Panama in two international friendly matches to be played in South Africa between 27 and 31 March 2026,” read the statement.

Panama, is 33rd in the World on the FIFA rankings.

“The Central American side offers a competitive physical and tactically disciplined test that aligns closely with the level Bafana Bafana will face at the FIFA World Cup,”

Julius Malulu February 7, 2026

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Julius Malulu is a Bolanews sports journalist and football analyst from Zambia. He previously worked for United Voice and Radio Christian Voice as a sports reporter. He specializes in writing exclusive pieces and conducting interviews. He has appeared as an analyst on Znbc TV's Talking Football show, the radio Christian Voice Back Page, Camnet TV, and the Everything Bola Podcast.