The South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced that Bafana Bafana will play their final home match before heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Coach Hugo Broos has arranged for the national team to face Nicaragua, a Central American side, at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Friday, 29 May 2026, in a noteworthy international friendly.
This match follows a double-header against Panama, as Broos opts for another Central American rival to mimic the tactical demands Bafana will face in their first match of the tournament.
South Africa is scheduled to meet co-hosts Mexico in the World Cup’s opening game at the renowned Estadio Azteca on June 11.
Nicaragua’s reputation for a robust defensive structure and rapid counter-attacks will provide Bafana with a final glimpse of the playing style characteristic of the CONCACAF region before their journey to Mexico City.
Hosting the game at the iconic Orlando Amstel Arena will create an engaging and energetic environment for this send-off match.
With fans allowed entry three hours before the match starts, SAFA is organizing a significant fan-activation village that will include local music performances, food stalls, and a special farewell ceremony for the 23-player team.
This event will also serve as an essential opportunity for several players on the fringes of the squad to make a case for a position in Broos’s starting team.
However, the starting lineup is likely to reflect closely the one that will take the field before a crowd of 90,000 in Mexico City.
