“Three Points Are Enough” – Broos Believes Bafana Will Make World Cup History
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has set his sights on leading South Africa to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in history. Broos believes that just three points might be enough to advance, thanks to the tournament’s expanded format, which allows the eight best third-placed teams to progress.
Despite accumulating four points in both 2002 and 2010 (the latter as host nation), Bafana Bafana have never advanced past the group stage in their three previous World Cup appearances.
On both occasions, an inferior goal difference forced them into a third-place finish and an early exit from the tournament.
Broos has unique World Cup pedigree of his own, having played for the Belgium side that was eliminated by Diego Maradona’s dazzling Argentina in the 1986 semifinals in Mexico—one of the co-hosts of the 2026 edition.
For this tournament, South Africa has been drawn into Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico (ranked 15th), the Czech Republic (ranked 41st), and a 25th-ranked South Korea side featuring Paris Saint-Germain star Lee Kang-in.
Kang-in is heading into the World Cup in high spirits, as PSG faces Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final at the Puskás Aréna this Saturday, giving him a shot at a second consecutive European title.
“I think we have already said over the past few days that our ambition is to survive the group stages,” said Broos.
“It will not be easy with the opponents we have, but there is a possibility. We will try to get three points as soon as possible because, with three points, you can go through.
“Being one of the eight best third-placed teams is our first goal when we go to the World Cup. The objective is to survive the group stages.”
Broos remains confident about South Africa’s chances because they avoided global heavyweights like Brazil, France, or defending champions Argentina.
“We will try to win points against every opponent,” said Broos.
“It starts with the first game against Mexico. We don’t have to calculate or think too much about different scenarios. From the first game, we have to try and win points.
“As I said already, if you have three points, you can go through. That is certain. From the first game, we must try to get those three points as soon as possible.
“I also said that there is no major football nation in this group like Brazil, Spain, Argentina or France.
“We are four teams, and the difference in quality between us is not that big.
“That means there will be three tough games to play. Once again, we have to believe in ourselves because our opponents are not significantly better than we are.
“If we are afraid and lack confidence that we can beat those opponents, then it becomes very difficult.
“We have to believe in ourselves and in the possibility of beating any one of those teams. Again, if you have three points, you have a good chance of going through.”
Bafana Bafana will enjoy an official fan send-off at the Wanderers Cricket Club on Saturday before departing for Mexico on Sunday.
