South Africa national team head coach Hugo Broos has reaffirmed his confidence in Bafana Bafana’s long-term progress despite their early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), insisting that the team remains on an upward trajectory as preparations begin for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bafana Bafana’s AFCON campaign came to an end in the round of 16 following a narrow 2–1 defeat to Cameroon in Rabat. While the result sparked criticism from some quarters, Broos was quick to dismiss suggestions that the team has taken a step backward. Instead, the Belgian tactician emphasized that tournament football often hinges on fine margins and that South Africa’s performance did not reflect a decline in quality or ambition.
Broos acknowledged that the team was not at its absolute best throughout the competition but stressed that this was not unusual in major tournaments. He pointed out that several nations struggled to maintain consistency and that South Africa remained competitive against strong opposition. According to the coach, the loss to Cameroon was influenced by missed opportunities and moments of misfortune rather than a fundamental weakness in the squad.
During the group stage, South Africa demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline, finishing second in their group behind Egypt. Victories against Angola and Zimbabwe secured qualification for the knockout phase and reinforced the belief that the team is capable of competing at a high level on the African continent. Broos highlighted these performances as evidence that the team’s rebuilding process is yielding positive results.
Rather than dwelling on the AFCON disappointment, Broos has already turned his attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament will mark South Africa’s return to the global stage for the first time since 2010, a milestone that carries both excitement and responsibility.
The coach described World Cup preparation as a different challenge altogether, noting that the level of competition, intensity, and tactical demands will be significantly higher. He emphasized the importance of detailed planning, squad assessment, and strategic refinement in the months leading up to the tournament.
As part of this process, Broos plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the current squad, evaluating individual performances and identifying areas that require improvement. Player development, squad balance, and mental readiness will be central to this evaluation. He also underlined the need to blend experienced players with emerging talent to create a competitive and adaptable team.
International friendly matches scheduled for March will play a crucial role in South Africa’s World Cup preparations. These fixtures are expected to provide valuable opportunities to test tactical variations, build chemistry, and expose players to different styles of play. Broos believes that facing diverse opponents will help the team better adapt to the challenges they will encounter on the world stage.
South Africa has been drawn into a challenging World Cup group that includes host nation Mexico, South Korea, and a European play-off qualifier yet to be confirmed. Broos acknowledged the difficulty of the group but remained optimistic, stating that no World Cup group is easy and that success depends on preparation, discipline, and belief.
The coach also highlighted the psychological aspect of competing at the World Cup, stressing the importance of confidence and focus. He noted that representing the country on football’s biggest stage is a powerful motivator and believes his players will rise to the occasion.
Broos concluded by reaffirming his commitment to building a team that not only competes but earns respect through its style of play and professionalism. While AFCON success remains an important objective for the future, the immediate priority is ensuring that Bafana Bafana arrive at the 2026 World Cup well-prepared, unified, and ready to compete against the world’s best.
With clear direction, structured planning, and renewed focus, South Africa’s journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see its team shine on the global stage.
