Overview
- The fixtures are scheduled in South Africa between 27 and 31 March 2026 during the FIFA international window.
- SAFA called the matches a critical component of head coach Hugo Broos’s build-up plan for the tournament.
- Panama is described as ranked 33rd in the world and offering competitive, physical opposition aligned to World Cup level.
- South Africa is in Group A with Mexico, South Korea and the winner of UEFA Playoff D, which will come from Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark or North Macedonia.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.