Benni McCarthy explains why Bafana will surprise at 2026 World Cup

Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy is backing Hugo Broos’ team to impress at the 2026 World Cup where they are set to return since playing their home tournament in 2010.

South Africa have been to the World Cup three times in 1998, 2002 and 2010 but have never gone past the group stages.

However, McCarthy thinks the Class of 2026 is well-equipped to end that hoodoo due to the quality of the squad and the fact that they have an experienced coach in Hugo Broos.

Benni McCarthy has faith in Bafana Bafana at the World Cup. Image – FKF Media

“Listen, I think we can do it, man,” McCarthy told FARPost as per Vodacom Soccer. “We have a world class coach. The first coach to help us qualify for the AFCON [in a long time] and took us to the semi-final [in 2023] and qualified for the World Cup.”

Benni McCarthy confident in Bafana’s qualities

“So he came with a pedigree [having won AFCON with Cameroon] and he has proven it. So, we have a good team, a world class coach, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns as the winning teams fighting for the title [Betway Premiership]. Hopefully this goes to the wire.”

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Photo – Imago

South Africa were drawn in a tough Group A at the 2026 World Cup with co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and a European team that will be determined from this month’s playoff involving the Republic of Ireland, Denmark, North Macedonia and Czech Republic.

While many see them as the underdogs, McCarthy thinks the things he has enumerated can lift Broos’ men into the knockout round for the first time in the country’s history.

Ex-striker keen to see World Cup success

“With those two teams, how can we go wrong?” he posed. “I am pure South African, I am optimistic. A lot of people think I am skeptical because I am not the coach of Bafana but when we don’t have success, it hurts me as it hurts every single one of you.

“We were all born in this country and we feel it more than anyone else,” the Bafana Bafana all-time top scorer said.

South Africa will play the opening match of the World Cup against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on June 11 and a good start will put them in good stead to progress to the Round of 32.