Broos: Bafana Can Reach World Cup Knockout Stages
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has acknowledged that his team will face tough competition at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he remains optimistic that they can achieve something special by reaching the knockout stages.
Bafana has been drawn in Group A alongside co-host nation Mexico, South Korea, and a fourth team to be determined in March next year between Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, and the Republic of Ireland.
The first game for Bafana will be against Mexico on 11 June 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico. This will be the second time these two nations have faced each other in the opening game of the World Cup, having drawn 1-1 in 2010.
Following the World Cup draw held in Washington D.C on Friday evening, Broos expressed his views on the challenges that lie ahead for the national team.
“I think it will be difficult in the World Cup, and you don’t have to forget that, and it could be better if the other team in our group is not a tough team,” he said.
“Our first game is against Mexico, and I can’t say we can win because it will be very difficult. As much as it will not be easy but I think it will be a good experience for us as a team, and it’s something we need.
“We have to play against these teams, and we will learn a lot. But we will see because in football everything is possible, we will go for it and do what we did in the last three years, then we’ll see the results.”
Broos believes that playing against a home team in the first game can be an advantage, but he’s also aware of the challenges that come with playing in front of a massive crowd.
“I think we can be happy that we have to play against a home team in the first game,” the Belgian mentor added.
“But on the other hand, I think it’s amazing when you have to play such games, and we will play in a stadium of more than 80 thousand fans.
“I think the atmosphere will be fantastic there. So, we have to enjoy it, and whenever you enjoy something, then you will achieve something.”
Bafana Bafana’s last major achievement was winning the bronze medal in the 2023 AFCON in the Ivory Coast, and Broos will be hoping that his team can build on that success in the World Cup.
