South Africa’s senior football team, Bafana Bafana, will face Panama in two international friendly matches to be played in South Africa next month.

The matches will be played between 27 and 31 March 2026 as Bafana Bafana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“The matches form a critical component of head coach Hugo Broos’s build-up programme ahead of the global tournament, which will be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026,” said the South African Football Association (SAFA).

Panama, currently ranked 33rd in the world, were considered to provide high-quality opposition for Bafana Bafana, who are placed 61st.

“The Central American side offers a competitive, physical and tactically disciplined test that aligns closely with the level Bafana Bafana will face at the FIFA World Cup,” added SAFA.

SAFA will confirm match venues, kick-off times and ticketing information in the coming days.

South Africa was drawn in Group A for the FIFA World Cup and will face co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the tournament.

Bafana will also face South Korea, and the winner of UEFA Playoff D (Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark or North Macedonia).