New FIFA ranking rise: Bafana Bafana make history

FIFA’s live ranking currently places Bafana Bafana at 50th in the world, up from their previous official position of 54th.

FIFA notes that the live table remains provisional until the relevant matches are approved as international A fixtures, with the next official ranking update scheduled for 7 October 2026.

BACK IN THE FIFA TOP 50

The rise follows Bafana Bafana’s important 2-1 victory over Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

Ime Okon gave South Africa the lead before Guinea equalised through Seydouba Cisse. Substitute Samukelo Kabini then restored the advantage in the 77th minute to secure all three points for Mosimane in his first competitive match since returning as head coach.

South Africa have now moved from 54th to 50th in the provisional FIFA rankings, putting them back inside the global top 50 for the first time since 2011.

The timing makes the achievement particularly significant for Mosimane. South Africa’s last appearance inside the FIFA top 50 came in October 2011, when Bafana Bafana reached 49th in the world during Mosimane’s first spell as head coach. Historical FIFA ranking data records the 49th position on 19 October 2011.

Mosimane’s return has therefore coincided with Bafana Bafana reaching a ranking position that the team last occupied during his previous tenure.

The victory over Guinea also puts South Africa ninth among African nations in the latest live ranking picture.

BAFANA BAFANA’S HIGHEST-EVER RANKING

The latest rise is impressive, but South Africa still have a considerable distance to travel before challenging their all-time FIFA ranking record.

South Africa’s highest-ever FIFA world ranking is 16th place, which they famously achieved in August 1996. That historic peak came after South Africa’s memorable maiden AFCON triumph on home soil earlier that year.

The 1996 generation changed the status of South African football internationally. South Africa continued to produce strong results during the following years and reached 1st in Africa in February 2000, while sitting 21st in the world.

The national team also enjoyed strong rankings around the 2010 FIFA World Cup era, reaching 38th globally in May 2010 and 39th in April 2011.

• All-Time Peak: 16th in the world (August 1996) following their maiden AFCON championship.
• Highest Continental Ranking: 1st in Africa (February 2000), while holding the 21st spot globally.
• World Cup Eras: Reached 38th globally in May 2010 and climbed to 39th in April 2011.

The latest ranking movement gives Bafana Bafana another historical marker to build on. With Eritrea next on 30 September, South Africa have an immediate opportunity to collect more points before the next official FIFA ranking is released.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM THE TEAM UNDER PITSO MOSIMANE?

Share your thoughts by clicking on the red comments block below.