Bafana Bafana have climbed back into the FIFA world top 50, marking a significant milestone for South Africa’s national team.
The latest provisional FIFA ranking places South Africa 50th in the world, up from their previous official position of 54th. The move follows their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
FIFA’s live ranking remains provisional until the relevant matches are confirmed as international A fixtures, with the next official ranking update scheduled for 7 October 2026.
Bafana Back in the Top 50
South Africa secured three points against Guinea after goals from Ime Okon and substitute Samukelo Kabini.
Okon opened the scoring before Guinea’s Seydouba Cisse levelled the contest. Kabini then restored Bafana’s lead in the 77th minute to give South Africa a winning start under returning coach Pitso Mosimane in competitive action.
The result has moved Bafana from 54th to 50th in the provisional rankings.
More significantly, South Africa are back inside the global top 50 for the first time since 2011.
The timing is notable because Mosimane was also in charge when Bafana last occupied a top-50 position during his first spell as national team coach. Historical FIFA data shows South Africa reached 49th in the world in October 2011.
The latest ranking movement therefore provides an interesting statistical link between Mosimane’s first and second spells with the national team.
How High Have Bafana Reached?
While returning to the top 50 is significant, South Africa’s all-time FIFA ranking record remains considerably higher.
Bafana’s highest-ever position was 16th in the world in August 1996, following their historic triumph at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.
South Africa also reached No. 1 in Africa in February 2000, when they were ranked 21st globally.
Other notable periods include the 2010 World Cup era, when Bafana reached 38th in the world in May 2010 and 39th in April 2011.
South Africa’s Notable FIFA Ranking Milestones
- Highest-ever: 16th in the world — August 1996
- Highest African ranking: 1st — February 2000
- 2010 World Cup era: 38th — May 2010
- 2011: 49th — October 2011
- Current provisional ranking: 50th — September 2026
Eritrea Next for Bafana
South Africa have little time to celebrate the latest ranking improvement, with Eritrea next on 30 September.
Another positive result could strengthen Bafana’s position ahead of FIFA’s next official ranking update in October.
For Mosimane, the early results and ranking movement provide an encouraging statistical backdrop to the start of his second stint in charge.
The bigger challenge will be maintaining that progress and continuing to climb the FIFA rankings.
Can Bafana Bafana build on their return to the FIFA top 50 under Pitso Mosimane?
