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Can Bafana Bafana Beat 1000/1 Odds? South Africa's World Cup Journey Begins

The betting markets have written South Africa off for the 2026 World Cup. Their players, their coach, and 60 million people are begging to differ.

2 minutes read
Chad Nagel
Chad Nagel
Sports Betting & Casino Editor
Bruce Douglas
Sports Betting Writer

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BAFANA

Table of Contents

On the 11th of June over 10 million people in South Africa are predicted to watch Bafana Bafana kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Mexico in Mexico City. 

South Africa are priced at around 1000/1 to become the first African nation to win the World Cup, which, according to the bookies, means they’ve got a 0.1% chance. 

Hollywoodbets.

Credit: Hollywoodbets – Screenshot captured by Chad Nagel on 1 June, 2026

A R200 wager on Bafana Bafana to lift the trophy at Hollywoodbets' current decimal odds of approximately 1001.00 would return R200,200, but you would sooner see a vuvuzela on the moon. According to Hollywoodbets, Spain lead the tournament market at 4.50. [1]

Even winning their group is considered a longshot. Right now you can back South Africa to triumph in Group A at 12.00. [2]

A Swansong and a Squad

The man steering Bafana through this particular impossible dream is Hugo Broos, 74, a Belgian who played for his country at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, the same country where South Africa open the tournament. 

Nineteen of the 26 players in his squad are based in the South African league, with Burnley striker Lyle Foster leading the line as the most prominent European-based name. [3] The timing could not have been better, as Mamelodi Sundowns, who contribute eight players, won the CAF Champions League the Sunday before the squad announcement, defeating FAR Rabat 2-1 on aggregate in the final. 

Orlando Pirates, also contributing eight players, were crowned South African Premiership champions for the first time since 2012 the day before. [4]

At the heart of it all stands captain Ronwen Williams, the 34-year-old Sundowns goalkeeper who has become one of African football's most magnetic figures. At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Cape Verde, Williams saved four penalties in the shootout. [5]

South Africa get things started against Mexico in Mexico City, then face Czechia in Atlanta on June 18, and close their group stage against South Korea in Monterrey on June 24. The team is quietly confident it can cause an upset or two!

Chad Nagel
Chad NagelSports Betting & Casino Editor

Chad’s career in the sports betting industry began in October 2013 when he joined Hollywoodbets. During his time there, he wrote football betting content for the Hollywoodbets Sports Blog and contributed extensively to their weekly betting publication, Soccer Betting News. His work and leadership eventually led to him being appointed Editor-in-Chief of the publication in February 2016.  

References

  1. 1.World Cup Odds 2026: Latest Winner Odds & Expert Analysis - Afrik-Foot / Hollywoodbets odds. Accessed June 1, 2026
  2. 2.Betway | Soccer Betting & World Cup 2026 Betting - Betway South Africa. Accessed June 1, 2026
  3. 3.South Africa name final squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup - COSAFA / South African Football Association. Accessed June 1, 2026
  4. 4.Bafana Bafana World Cup squad: South Africa names two uncapped players - Al Jazeera.. Accessed June 1, 2026
  5. 5.Afcon 2023: Ronwen Williams saves four spot-kicks as South Africa beat Cape Verde on penalties - Yahoo Sports / BBC Sport. Accessed June 1, 2026

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