Bafana Bafana's World Cup quest: Broos declares 'The time is now ...

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos believes there is no better time than now for South Africa to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His confidence stems from a remarkable year for the national team, which has seen significant progress both in performance and team cohesion.

Bafana recently concluded their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers undefeated, dominating Group K with 16 goals scored and only five conceded. The campaign ended with a 3-0 victory over South Sudan in Cape Town, marking their second consecutive AFCON qualification under Broos’s leadership. This success follows their bronze medal finish at the earlier 2024 AFCON tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.

Broos is optimistic about Bafana’s World Cup prospects.

“We were competitive in January, and that doesn’t mean that we have to think now; okay, we are where we have to be, no, but little by little we have become a very good team, and that will give us the confidence we need for the next thing, which is qualifying for the World Cup.

“So, I’m confident that we can do it. I think if there’s a time for South Africa to qualify for the World Cup, then it is now. We can do it because we have quality and a good team. If we show the same mentality, the same quality, the same team spirit, and whatever, there is a big chance that we qualify,”

The coach has personal stakes in this journey as well. Reflecting on his experience playing in the 1986 World Cup with Belgium.

“To end my career as a coach and be there [2026 FIFA World Cup] would be fantastic, not only for me but for the country that has been waiting so long for a World Cup,” he remarked.

South Africa last participated in the global tournament in 2010 as hosts and qualified on merit only in 2002.

Currently, Bafana shares the top spot in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers with Benin and Rwanda, each holding seven points. The group winner will secure a ticket to the finals, and upcoming fixtures against Lesotho and Benin in March 2025 could prove decisive.

Broos also acknowledged the challenges ahead, including a four-month gap before their next qualifiers. However, he expressed confidence that domestic league action would keep players in form. South Africa’s steady ascent under Broos, marked by tactical discipline and improved squad depth, has reignited hope among fans for a return to the world stage.

With a blend of experience and youthful talent, coupled with growing public support, Bafana Bafana appear well-positioned to end their two-decade-long World Cup drought.

POWER Sports