South Africa continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an international friendly against Nicaragua on Friday night. Bafana Bafana are looking ahead to their first World Cup appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010.

Nicaragua, meanwhile, are aiming to end a poor run of form, having failed to win a match since November 2025. The Central American side will hope to gain confidence ahead of upcoming fixtures.

South Africa vs Nicaragua: Key Stats

• South Africa are preparing for their first World Cup since 2010.
• Nicaragua have lost five of their last six matches.
• South Africa have won only one of their last five games.
• South Africa have lost just three of their previous 17 internationals.
• Nicaragua conceded 12 goals across four defeats in World Cup qualifying.

South Africa Team Overview

Hugo Broos guided South Africa to the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year after victories over Zimbabwe and Angola before elimination against Cameroon.

Since then, Bafana Bafana have played two friendlies against Panama, drawing 1-1 before suffering a disappointing 2-1 defeat. Despite mixed results, the team continue to show defensive discipline and structure.

South Africa are expected to be without several important players, including Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, and Jayden Adams.

Nicaragua Team Overview

Nicaragua managed to reach the third round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying but failed to progress after defeats against Haiti, Costa Rica, and Honduras.

Head coach Juan Cruz Real has selected a relatively young squad for this international window, focusing on development and gaining experience ahead of the clash against Paraguay.

Prediction

Both sides are expected to rotate heavily, which could lead to a slower and more cautious contest. South Africa look more organised defensively, while Nicaragua have struggled for goals against stronger opposition.

For that reason, the away side failing to score appears to be the strongest betting angle.

Prediction on game

Nicaragua under 0.5 goals