Broos Delighted To Guide South Africa To FIFA World Cup

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was an elated man as he led South Africa to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Broos said he had “so many things to say” and praised his group of players for their resilience and spirit.

Bafana Bafana booked their place at the World Cup after thumping Rwanda 3–0 in a decisive qualifier at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

Their qualification was sealed thanks to Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Benin in Uyo, inspired by a hat-trick from Victor Osimhen — a result that ensured South Africa finished top of Group C.

It is the first time Bafana Bafana have qualified for the World Cup since 2002, and their first appearance at the global showpiece since hosting it in 2010.

“A dozen things, I think… yeah, it was close,” Broos told SuperSport TV. “After the game on Friday [a goalless draw against Zimbabwe], we got stronger as a group.

“In just a few days, the mentality was there again. From the beginning of the game on Tuesday, the players showed they wanted to win. They wanted to have no regrets after the match. Benin didn’t do what they had to do — and that’s why I’m proud of my players.”

Broos, who represented Belgium at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, described the tournament as the pinnacle of world football.

“You know, the World Cup is the ultimate stage. There’s nothing like it. Those who have been there will tell you — it’s what every player and every coach dreams of,” he said.

“So when you have the opportunity to go there, you must do everything — absolutely everything — to achieve it. And we did. It’s very important for the players, because they’ll now gain experience at the highest level of world football.

“It’s also great for South African football. In 2010, the team didn’t have to qualify because they were the hosts. But now, after our bronze medal at AFCON and qualification for the World Cup in America next year, you’ll see — automatically — the value of South African football will rise, and the players’ profiles will grow too.”

With qualification secured, the South African Football Association (SAFA) is set to receive more than $6 million [R110 million] from FIFA.

The FIFA World Cup draw will take place in December.