How far can Bafana go in the World Cup? Hugo Broos responds

28.06.26 FT World Cup

South Africa

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Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has responded to questions on how far his team can go in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.

South Africa booked their spot in the global showpiece's knockout stages for the first time in history after beating South Korea 1-0 at Estadio Monterrey on Thursday.

Broos' men had to dig deep as they suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mexico in what was an underwhelming performance in the opening game of the tournament.

Now, having defied the odds by securing a ticket to the Round of 32, there's growing expectations and optimism amongst supporters that Bafana can go even further.

However, when pressed about his team's chances, the Belgian mentor was coy, opting against counting his chickens before they hatch, amid strong competition for glory.

“It's always dangerous to say there or there in a tournament. The only thing I know and I feel is that the group is growing, and this is very important when you play a tournament,” said Broos.

"When from the beginning already you're on top, you go down. We were certainly not at the top, so we go up now. And you saw that [the game against] Czechia was better and today [vs South Korea] it was good.

"So, what happens next Sunday, I don't know. I just know that the players will be ready again and try to achieve the third round. It will be even more historical, but those players want to prove and show to everyone they are a good team.

While Broos is not taking any nation lightly at the World Cup, he insists that his troops are itching for more success ahead of their knockout phase debut.

“We will see next Sunday, if we can go further we will do it. Don't think that now we are just going for another game and then on Monday or Tuesday we take a flight to Johannesburg, not at all. We want to stay as long as possible,” added the Bafana boss.

"But that will also depend on the opponent next Sunday, and again, it will be a tough game.

South Africa will lock horns with fellow knockout stage debutants Canada in the Round of 32 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, 28 June.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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