South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25

JOHANNESBURG: South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who represented Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has died at the age of 25, South African officials confirmed on Saturday.

Adams featured for South Africa during the FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the country’s football community.

South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie expressed deep sorrow over Adams’ death, describing him as one of the country’s brightest young football talents.

“South African football has lost one of its finest young talents,” McKenzie said, extending condolences to Adams’ family, teammates and supporters who had watched him rise from academy football to the national team.

Police said Adams’ body was found at his home. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, and the cause of death has not yet been determined. No further official details have been released.