South Africa’s 2002 FIFA World Cup campaign, held in South Korea and Japan, marked their second appearance at football’s biggest tournament. Drawn into Group B alongside Spain, Paraguay, and Slovenia, Bafana Bafana ultimately finished third in the group, narrowly missing out on progression to the Round of 16.

Despite showing flashes of promise and improvement from their 1998 debut, they were eliminated on goal difference after collecting four points from their three group matches.

Their opening game on June 2, 2002, was a thrilling 2-2 draw against Paraguay in Busan. Paraguay took a 2-0 lead through strikes from Roque Santa Cruz and Francisco Arce either side of half time. However, South Africa launched a spirited comeback. Teboho Mokoena pulled one back in the 63rd minute, and a last-gasp penalty converted by Quinton Fortune secured a dramatic point. The result showcased South Africa’s resilience and hinted at their potential to cause upsets in the group.

In their second match, held on June 8 in Daegu, South Africa secured a historic 1-0 victory over Slovenia – their first-ever World Cup win. The only goal came from striker Siyabonga Nomvethe in the fourth minute, giving Bafana Bafana an early lead which they managed to defend for the remainder of the match. The result was a significant milestone for South African football and put them in a strong position going into their final group match.

South Africa’s last group fixture took place on June 12 against European heavyweights Spain. The match, played in Daejeon, turned into a high-scoring affair, ending in a narrow 3-2 defeat for Bafana Bafana.

Spain went ahead through Raul, but Benni McCarthy equalised just after the half-hour mark, scoring South Africa’s first goal against a major footballing nation in World Cup play. Spain regained the lead shortly after the break, but South Africa equalised again through a header from captain Lucas Radebe. However, Raul struck once more to give Spain the victory.

Despite the loss, Bafana Bafana’s performance earned them praise for their competitiveness and attacking flair.

At the conclusion of the group stage, both South Africa and Paraguay had collected four points and each had a zero goal difference. However, Paraguay had scored one more goal (six to Bafana’s five) advanced alongside group winners Spain.

South Africa’s campaign ended at the group stage, but the team exited with dignity and pride. They had shown tactical growth, individual brilliance – especially from the likes of Radebe, McCarthy and Fortune – and a determination that boded well for the nation’s footballing future.

The 2002 World Cup campaign remains a significant chapter in South African football history. Though they did not progress, their win over Slovenia and the competitive matches against Paraguay and Spain reflected a team growing in confidence and experience on the global stage.