JOHANNESBURG - SAFA have confirmed that Bafana Bafana will face Panama in two friendly internationals in March’s FIFA window.
Panama are ranked number 33 in the world, a full 27 places above Bafana (60).
But who are the Central American side?
Panama qualified for the 2026 World Cup, going unbeaten through the preliminaries with seven victories and three draws, an impressive run.
It will not be the first meeting between South Africa and Panama as they also clashed in a 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals, where Lungisani Ndlela scored in the match, which ended 1-1.
With the countdown officially underway, Hugo Broos is clearly intent on exposing his squad to opposition that mirrors the intensity and discipline expected at the tournament.
Broos' charges face Mexico in the opening game in June.
As the margins tighten and expectations rise, these friendlies represent more than just preparation.
They are a statement of intent from a Bafana side determined to arrive at the 2026 World Cup battle-hardened, organised and ready to compete on football’s biggest stage.