South Africa begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup build-up with a friendly against Panama at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday (7pm CAT).
Bafana are eager to bounce back from their AFCON 2025 Round of 16 exit to Cameroon, while Panama arrive after a narrow loss to Mexico that ended their 13-match unbeaten run.
Coach Hugo Broos has recalled Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Jayden Adams, while Panama welcome back Roderick Miller and César Yanis but miss defender Fidel Escobar.
Broos says the clash will help restore team spirit: “We have to see the Bafana Bafana of the past three years.” Panama’s Jose Cordoba expects an intense battle, comparing South Africa’s style to Ghana.
The sides last met in the 2005 Gold Cup, drawing 1-1 before Panama advanced on penalties.
