By 
PRETORIA — South Africa is gearing up to officially bid farewell to the senior men’s national football team as they embark on their highly anticipated global campaign. President Cyril Ramaphosa will host the official Bafana Bafana FIFA World Cup Send-off Dinner at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
The prestigious event, anchored by the inspiring theme “United by Hope, Driven by Pride,” serves as the nation’s formal farewell to the squad before they depart for North America. South Africa will be competing on the grandest stage of them all, with the tournament co-hosted across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the evening carries immense sporting significance. Football fans across the country will be watching closely as Bafana Bafana Head Coach, Hugo Broos, is scheduled to officially announce his final 26-man tournament squad during the ceremony.
The gathering represents a massive show of national solidarity for the team. President Ramaphosa will not be alone in rallying behind the squad; he will be joined by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, and the President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Dr. Danny Jordaan. Members of the technical team, the players themselves, and a select group of invited guests will also be in attendance to share in the occasion.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
- Time: 19h00
- Venue: Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse, Pretoria
As the final countdown to the World Cup begins, the evening promises to fuse national pride with the intense anticipation of a historic footballing journey.
