Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
Bafana BafanaIn the news

Universities must put South Africans first – but not alone

More than three decades after apartheid, South Africa's debates are still framed through racial lenses. The controversy over foreign academics at universities, amidst xenophobia…

Relebohile Mofokeng: From World Cup heartbreak to European dream with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

South African football sensation Relebohile Mofokeng, fresh from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has secured a landmark transfer from Orlando Pirates to Belgian Pro League side Royale…

Bafana Bafana’s historic World Cup run: Pride, progress and the need for ambition

Bafana Bafana made history at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, reaching the knockout stages for the first time and exceeding expectations. This achievement, including qualification ahead…

Bafana Bafana crash out of FIFA World Cup in Round of 32

Bafana Bafana's FIFA World Cup journey ends in the Round of 32 after a dramatic 90th-minute winner by Canada's Stephen Eustáquio. Despite the heartbreaking loss in Los Angeles,…

Bafana Bafana's victory over South Korea is about more than football; it is a lesson in believing again

Bafana Bafana's unforgettable victory over South Korea sparked joy and a renewed sense of hope across South Africa. After years of unfulfilled promise, this win signals a…

Editorial: Thank you, Bafana Bafana

Thapelo Maseko's solitary goal against South Korea has etched his name in history, as Bafana Bafana qualify for the last 32 knockout stages of the 2026 Fifa World Cup for the…

Bafana Bafana’s knockout breakthrough: Pride, caution and the long road ahead

South Africa is erupting with joy as Bafana Bafana achieve the impossible, advancing to the FIFA World Cup knockout phase. After decades of heartbreak, this moment feels like a…

Bafana Bafana make history and advance to World Cup round of 32

Bafana Bafana have made history by advancing to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time. South Africa secured their spot with a crucial win over Korea Republic, coupled…

Bafana’s gritty draw reignites World Cup hopes

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia in their second 2026 Fifa World Cup match. The result, marked by a late equaliser from star-player…

Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 loss to Mexico in their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team also saw red twice and will miss two key players for their second game. (@Bafana Bafana/X)

Bafana Bafana’s World Cup permutations: Time to fight and deliver

As South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, navigates the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America, the permutations for advancement from Group A are razor-sharp and unforgiving.…

Cracks emerge in the 2026 FIFA World Cup: From robbery to referee rows

The 2026 Fifa World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is already facing significant challenges. Incidents like the robbery of the England national team and…

Bafana Bafana lost their opening game to Mexico in the World Cup 2-0. (Bafana Bafana/X)

Bafana Bafana’s disappointing Fifa 2026 opener against Mexico

Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 defeat against co-hosts Mexico in their Fifa World Cup 2026 opener at Estadio Azteca. The match, played on June 11, 2026, was controversial,…