South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on citizens to rally behind the country’s national team, Bafana Bafana, ahead of their campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

Bafana Bafana are drawn in Group A of the 48-team tournament alongside Mexico, Czechia and South Korea. They will face co-host Mexico in the opening match of the competition at the Estadio Banorte on June 11. 

In a statement released on Monday ahead of the team’s planned departure to the United States today, Mr Ramaphosa stated that the players’ efforts in securing qualification for the World Cup for the first time since it was hosted in the country in 2010 are noteworthy. 

“At a send-off dinner hosted by the Presidency last week, we congratulated the team going to the World Cup. Football is defined by camaraderie, teamwork and sportspersonship. 

“The efforts of all the players in qualifying for the tournament deserve credit and recognition. I call on all South Africans to rally behind our team and show their support. Let us wear the team colours and fly the flag,” the South African president said. 

Speaking further, Mr Ramaphosa expressed appreciation to departments and administrators who have worked relentlessly to transform the national team, while revealing that additional work is underway to strengthen football in the country. 

“Efforts are ongoing to professionalise the sport, develop new talent and promote football as a recreational activity for youth in communities across the country,” the politician noted.

The president also assured that the team would be good ambassadors of the country in the tournament, adding that South Africans should unite under the country’s flag to support the players.

“For 90 minutes, as they play for our country, we will not be divided by language, race, province, club or circumstance. For 90 minutes, as they play, we will simply be South Africans standing together behind our national team and behind our flag,” Mr Ramaphosa stated.