Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has admitted that South Africa face an uphill struggle to reach the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing doubt that his side can finish in the top two of Group A.
South Africa were placed in a challenging group alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and the winner of UEFA Play-off D, which features Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic and the Republic of Ireland. Broos believes the likelihood of Denmark joining the pool only compounds the difficulty.
Bafana open the tournament on June 11 at the iconic Azteca Stadium, a daunting prospect Broos says could shape their entire campaign.
“It’s not an easy draw. Playing Mexico in their home stadium in the opening match will be extremely tough,” Broos said. “If Denmark completes the group, then you’re looking at two very big teams in our pool.”
South Africa have never progressed beyond the World Cup group stages, and Broos—coaching at the global showpiece for the first time after appearing as a player in 1986—acknowledges that a third-place finish may be their most realistic path to the round of 32 under the expanded tournament format.
“It will be difficult to finish first or second. But with the new World Cup system, the best eight third-placed teams can advance. That’s what we must aim for.”
Despite the daunting assignment, Broos insists Bafana will approach the tournament with commitment and belief.
“We will learn a lot at this World Cup. Everything is possible in football. We will fight, just as we have done the last few years.”
Ertugral: ‘Talk of Broos’ Successor Is a Distraction Before AFCON’
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral has urged stakeholders to put an immediate halt to speculation over who should succeed Hugo Broos as Bafana Bafana head coach.
Broos, who guided South Africa to AFCON 2023 bronze and 2026 World Cup qualification, is set to step down after the World Cup and retire. With his tenure now in its final stretch, public debate has intensified over who should take over the reins.
Ertugral believes such conversations are ill-timed and risk derailing Bafana’s preparations for both AFCON 2025 and the World Cup.
“This is simply not the right moment for discussions about successors,” he told FARPost. “The full focus must be on AFCON preparations and the World Cup. Anything else becomes a distraction for the team and technical staff.”
Broos has previously suggested that his assistant, Helman Mkhalele, is the ideal candidate to continue the project. Ertugral agrees that continuity should be central to SAFA’s decision-making.
“The great football nations protect continuity. Often the assistant coach—who understands the internal processes—is the natural choice. South Africa could benefit from the same approach.”
The veteran coach stressed that SAFA should conduct its succession planning calmly and privately.
“These decisions must not be made in the public eye. Timing and respect are important. For now, the priority is supporting the current team and staying focused on the immediate tournaments.”