Bafana Bafana's qualification was one of CAF's better stories — a disciplined group campaign built on strong home performances in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Hugo Broos has turned South Africa from an inconsistent side into a hard-to-beat unit.
The opener against Mexico at Estadio Azteca, one of football's most hostile environments, will be a baptism of fire. But South Africa have the resilience and experience of Ronwen Williams — arguably the continent's best goalkeeper — to keep it tight.
Key Player: Percy Tau
The Egyptian Premier League's perennial star brings craft and creativity in tight spaces. At 30, this is likely Tau's last World Cup and he carries the creative burden for Bafana.
Tactical Setup
Broos plays a compact 4-1-4-1, with Mokoena sitting in front of the back four and a tight midfield block. South Africa are dangerous on set pieces and from transitions.
Tournament History
Three appearances. They hosted in 2010 but were eliminated in the group stage — the only host nation in World Cup history to suffer that fate. Redemption remains unfinished business.