By Mark Ogagan
Bafana Bafana will face Panama in two international friendly matches to be played in South Africa between 27-31 March 2026, as part of the South African national team’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The matches form a critical component of head coach Hugo Broos’s build-up programme ahead of the global tournament, which will be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
Panama, currently ranked 33rd in the world, were considered to provide high-quality opposition. 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.
South Africa was drawn in Group A during the FIFA World Cup draw held in Washington DC in December 2025. Bafana will compete against Mexico, South Korea, and the winner of UEFA Playoff D (Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark or North Macedonia).
The South African Football Association (SAFA) will confirm match venues, kick-off times and ticketing information in the coming days.
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