Jayden Adams, who featured for South Africa in the FIFA World Cup 2026, has died at the age of twenty-five (25) on Saturday 11 July, 2026, just some days after South Africa were ousted from the tournament.
Hugo Broos’ South Africa’s World Cup 2026 campaign came to an end after losing to Canada by a lone goal in the Round of 32 match on Sunday 28 June, 2026 at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, United States (US).
Via an official statement, the Bafana Bafana described Adams as a “talented, passionate and dedicated” player, who fielded for South Africa with “love”; as well as, was inspirational to many.
It expressed “heartfelt” condolences to Adams’ family and prayed “his soul rest in eternal peace”.
Adams fielded for South Africa in all three (3) Group A games. The Bafana Bafana came out of the Group with four (4) points after losing to Mexico, drawing against Czechia and winning South Korea by 2-0, 1-1 and 1-0 respectively.
The Statement reads: “Today, South African football mourn the loss of a talented player whose passion, dedication, and love for the beautiful game inspired many. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, loved ones, teammates, and everyone affected by this devastating loss.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace. You will never be forgotten, Jayden.”
The midfielder died in Cape Town in the morning of Saturday.
The Police in South Africa made known, they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
In a reply to the Bafana Bafana Statement, FIFA wrote: “Sending our deepest condolences to Jayden’s family, friends and everyone at @BafanaBafana. “
Photos: Jayden Adams featured for South Africa in all three (3) Group A matches in the FIFA World Cup 2026 | Getty Images
