Simulator › Groups › Group A › South Africa
What happens if South Africa finishes 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th in the group?
These are South Africa's paths at the 2026 World Cup depending on how Group A ends. The matchups come from the official FIFA bracket.
If South Africa wins Group A (1st)
They would reach the Round of 32 (match 79) and play against one of the 8 best third-placed teams.
If South Africa finishes 2nd in Group A
They would reach the Round of 32 (match 73) and play against the runner-up of Group B.
Canada
Qatar
Switzerland
Bosnia & Herz.If South Africa finishes 3rd in Group A
They only advance if they finish among the 8 best third-placed teams. If so, they would play the winner of Group E or G (depending on which other thirds qualify).
If South Africa finishes 4th in Group A
They would be eliminated in the group stage: 4th place does not advance.