Bafana Bafana have lined up two international friendly matches with Panama as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
South Africa qualified for the tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico starting from 11th June as Group C winners ahead of Nigeria.
They have since competed at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they made it to the round of 16 before losing 2-1 to Cameroon.
Hugo Broos’ team will next face Panama in South Africa between March 27 and 31 in a bid to expose his players to a Central American team ahead of their World Cup opener with hosts Mexico.
Bafana were named in Group A following the draw held in Washington in December, where they were also paired with South Korea and the winner of UEFA Playoff D — a group that includes the Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark and North Macedonia.
Part of a South African Football Association statement read: “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.
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“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.
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) will confirm match venues, kick-off times and ticketing information in the coming days.”