South Sudan are one of international football's newest teams. The Bright Stars have never reached AFCON or the World Cup, but every qualifying campaign is part of a young national football story.
World Cup 2026 status
South Sudan entered the CAF qualifying route for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but did not reach the finals. The country is still waiting for its first World Cup appearance.
| 2026 status | Qualification route | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Entered qualifying; did not qualify | CAF qualifying | Did not reach the finals |
South Sudan played its first international match
The Bright Stars became a FIFA member
South Sudan continued its East African pathway
Still waiting for an AFCON or World Cup appearance
A young football nation building its foundations
South Sudan joined FIFA in 2012 and immediately faced the challenge of creating a player pathway, facilities and a stable international calendar. The country has a large football diaspora that can help expand the squad.
South Sudan's tournament profile
The Bright Stars' first goal is consistency
South Sudan's progress will come from regular CECAFA fixtures, youth development and players gaining experience in stronger leagues. A stable core can turn isolated wins into a qualifying campaign.
South Sudan's men's record at a glance
| Tournament | Best result | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Africa Cup of Nations | Never qualified | Waiting |
| FIFA World Cup | Never qualified | Waiting |
| Major titles tracked | None | Waiting |
The next step
A first regional tournament win and a genuine AFCON qualifying run would mark the next stage of the Bright Stars' development.
South Sudan's road from FIFA membership to a first major tournament
Frequently asked questions
Has South Sudan qualified for AFCON?
No. South Sudan have never reached the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Has South Sudan qualified for the World Cup?
No. South Sudan have never reached the FIFA World Cup finals.
When did South Sudan join FIFA?
South Sudan became a FIFA member in 2012.
Data sources & verification for South Sudan
Last verified 2026-09-09. Trophy dates are checked against official competition information and the relevant football confederation.
See South Sudan's full Waiting Room profile and live tournament counter.
View South Sudan's Waiting Room profile →