The South African Football Association (SAFA) is celebrating the improved FIFA rankings of both its senior national teams.
Bafana Bafana climbed six places to 54th after reaching the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup for the first time, while Banyana Banyana rose one spot to 57th following a friendly win over Japan.
Both teams now prepare for major upcoming tournaments — Bafana for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and Banyana for WAFCON 2026 in Morocco.
“The South African senior men’s and women’s national teams are reaping the rewards of their recent performances,” a SAFA statement read.
“Following their performances in the 2026 World Cup where they reached the Last 32, Bafana Bafana moved up the FIFA ranking and climbed six places from 60th to 54th. This shift also placed coach Hugo Broos’ charges in the top 10 of the CAF rankings.
“The South African senior men’s national team made history at the World Cup when the country qualified for the second round of the global tournament for the first time ever after beating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey, Mexico, courtesy of a lone strike from Thapelo Maseko. While Bafana Bafana eventually exited the event after defeat to Canada, they had made their mark on the grandest stage of all.
“The South African senior men’s national team will be back in action in September 2026 when the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers begin. Broos’ charges have been drawn in Group D with Guinea, Kenya, and Eritrea.
“Sasol Banyana Banyana have moved up one place to 57th on the FIFA rankings following their 1-0 win against Japan in an international friendly match played away from home in June 2026. Coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges are second on the CAF rankings behind leaders Nigeria.”
