​Cape Town, July 11 (Reuters) – South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams, who featured in all three of his side’s group-stage games at the 2026 World Cup, has died, the country’s sports ministry confirmed on Saturday. No cause of death was disclosed. Adams, 25, started the Group A fixtures against Mexico and the Czech Republic, and came on as a substitute in the 1-0 win over South Korea that secured the team’s first-ever advancement to the knockout rounds, where they were eliminated by Canada. The day before South Africa faced the Czechs, Adams was released from the squad following news that his grandmother had passed away, and he was substituted at halftime during that match.
At club level, Adams played for Pretoria-based Mamelodi Sundowns, helping them win the African Champions League title in the 2025/26 season. The South African Football Players’ Union, the official union representing players in the country, issued a statement saying, “South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game, and a young life that still had so much to offer.” The country’s sports community echoed the sadness, with condolences pouring in from national authorities and the wider football world.
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, offered his sympathies, stating, “Our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.” FIFA president Gianni Infantino also expressed his condolences, posting via Instagram that his thoughts, along with those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with Adams’ family, friends and teammates.
Adams rose through the youth development systems at Stellenbosch FC before joining Sundowns in January 2025. He made his international debut for South Africa in 2022 against Mozambique and earned 13 caps, scoring two goals—both in qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. His death marks a profound loss for South African football, as teammates, fans and officials remember him as a talented midfielder with a bright future.
The news comes amid a period of reflection for South African football, which has been celebrating its players’ achievements while mourning the loss of a promising talent who had already made a significant impact on the national team and in domestic competitions. Adams’ legacy will be carried forward by his contributions on the field, his role in South Africa’s historic World Cup run, and the memories he created for fans and colleagues throughout his career.