Broos Reveals Brazil And Argentina Friendlies Were Too Expensive For Bafana
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed that international giants Brazil and Argentina expressed interest in playing friendly matches against South Africa, but their financial demands were far beyond what the association could afford.
According to Broos, five-time world champions Brazil—now coached by Carlo Ancelotti—requested approximately R83 million (around $5 million) to play a friendly in March.
Meanwhile, reigning world champions Argentina, who defeated France in a thrilling 2022 FIFA World Cup final, were also open to facing Bafana Bafana but demanded close to R97 million (€5 million).
As nations prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in June, teams are actively seeking high-quality opposition from different confederations to sharpen their readiness. However, the steep costs of hosting top-tier nations forced the South African Football Association to look elsewhere.
Instead, SAFA secured Central American side Panama, who are expected to offer a similar style of play to Mexico—South Africa’s opening opponents at the World Cup on 11 June in Mexico City.
“We have to play against a middle American team, because this is a totally different style. Normally, the best thing to play or the best scenario is to play against an Asian team, a middle American team, and a European team,” said Broos.
“I was told a few minutes ago by [SAFA] Lydia Monyepao that Brazil wanted to play us. I said, ‘Wow, very good for May.’ But they asked for $5 million just to come.
“A few months ago, Argentina also wanted to play in Johannesburg for €5 million. It’s easy for people to say, ‘Why not play them?’ but the reality is different.”
Broos added that even arranging matches against less high-profile teams still comes at a cost.
“Panama are not coming for free either—you have to cover travel and pay a fee for them to play two matches. SAFA made a big effort to bring them here. Now we must see if we can still get an Asian or European opponent in May.”
The Belgian tactician also highlighted the financial disparity between South Africa and wealthier football nations, noting that ticket pricing makes it difficult to recover such large expenses locally.
“In Europe, it’s easier because the money is there. When Brazil play in Belgium, the cheapest ticket is around R800 (€40). You can’t charge that in the South African market [people won’t pay it].
“Even if you fill FNB Stadium with 90,000 fans, you won’t recover the costs at those prices.”
The last time Bafana Bafana faced Brazil was in March 2014 at FNB Stadium, where Neymar scored a hat-trick – the game in which Bafana captain Ronwen Williams made his debut.
South Africa’s last encounter with Argentina dates back to 1998 at Estadio Monumental, where goals from Gabriel Batistuta and Ariel Ortega secured a 2-0 win for the South Americans.
Despite missing out on marquee opponents, Broos expressed satisfaction with the decision to face Panama, whom South Africa last played during the 2005 Gold Cup when they were invited as a guest.
Looking ahead, Broos hopes to secure additional friendlies against European or Asian opposition before the tournament, especially with the demands of playing at high altitude during the World Cup.
“I’m very happy with Panama, and I hope we can still find another opponent at the end of May—Asian or European, it doesn’t matter,” he said.
“Our preparation will be different from most teams because we also have to adapt to high altitude. From the beginning of June until our first game, you have limited time to prepare and possibly play one more match.
“It’s not easy to plan, but we have to make the best of the situation.”
