Best 3rd-Placed Teams, Bafana Not In Top 12
Soccer Bullet | 24.06.2026 16:58
Bafana Bafana will be hoping to advance to the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, either by finishing as runners-up in their group or by securing one of the eight places available for the best third-placed teams.
South Africa suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening match last week before earning their first point of the tournament with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic on Thursday.
The result leaves Bafana at the bottom of Group A with just one point from two matches.
Their chances of progressing remain alive, but their current goal difference of minus two could prove costly in the race for a place among the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The Czech Republic, who are also in Group A alongside South Africa, currently sit seventh in the best third-placed teams standings with a goal difference of minus one.
Bafana will return to action against South Korea on Thursday, 25 June, at the Estadio Monterrey in Mexico. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00am (SAST), with South Africa needing a positive result to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
TABLE FOR BEST THIRD-PLACED TEAMS:
