Kaizer Chiefs Set Unwanted World Cup Record Despite Bafana Bafana's Historic Campaign

South African football giants Kaizer Chiefs have made an unwanted piece of FIFA World Cup history after failing to have a single player feature on the pitch during Bafana Bafana's historic 2026 World Cup campaign. The milestone came despite the club having one representative, defender Bradley Cross, in South Africa's final 26-man squad.

Cross was selected by head coach Hugo Broos but did not play a single minute before South Africa's tournament came to an end. As a result, the 2026 edition became the first FIFA World Cup in which no Kaizer Chiefs player appeared on the field for Bafana Bafana, ending a record that stretched across the nation's previous World Cup participations in 1998, 2002 and 2010.

In France 1998, Chiefs were represented by Doctor Khumalo and Brian Baloyi, with Khumalo featuring against Saudi Arabia. Four years later in Korea and Japan, Cyril Nzama played every minute of South Africa's campaign, while Jabu Pule (now Mahlangu) also made an appearance. At the 2010 World Cup on home soil, Itumeleng Khune, Simphiwe Tshabalala and Reneilwe Letsholonyane all played key roles for the national team.

Despite missing out on game time, Cross still benefited professionally from his World Cup selection. Reports indicate that his market valuation has risen by around 10 per cent, approaching R10 million, highlighting how simply being part of a World Cup squad can enhance a player's reputation and transfer value.

While Kaizer Chiefs will be disappointed by the unwanted record, South Africa's overall World Cup campaign has been widely praised after Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stage for the first time in the country's history, providing optimism for the future of South African football.