Broos sets modest World Cup target as Bafana’s full programme is revealed

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos does not believe they have a big chance of advancing directly from their 2026 World Cup group following the draw conducted in Washington, DC on Friday.

South Africa landed a tricky draw, being pooled in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and one of the European teams that will come from a playoff involving Denmark, North Macedonia, Czech Republic and the Republic of Ireland.

Broos’ men will play the opening match of the tournament against Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, the venue of the 1970 and 1986 finals, on June 11, 2026.

They will then follow it up with the European team in Atlanta, Georgia on June 18 before finishing group stage action against South Korea on June 25 in Monterey, Mexico.

Denmark sends chills down Broos’ spine

𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗪

"Its not an easy one. We have to play the first game of the tournament against Mexico in Azteca Stadium. I think it will be difficult."

📹 SAFA pic.twitter.com/eEoXJtYTXC

— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e_) December 6, 2025

It brings memories of the 2010 World Cup when South Africa, as hosts, opened the tournament with a match against Mexico, which ended 1-1 at the Soccer City, now FNB Stadium.

“It’s [the draw] not an easy one. First of all, you have to play the first game of the tournament against Mexico in Azteca Stadium, home game for Mexico, so it will be very tough for us that game,” said Broos as he reacted to the draw.

“Secondly, we have South Korea. So from that point, I was happy with Mexico and South Korea, and I hope the last one, it should be something else than what we have now. So now we will probably also have Denmark in our group.”

What is Bafana coach’s World Cup target?

The veteran Belgian tactician admits it will not be easy to get out of the group directly and is now pinning his hopes on South Africa being one of the best third-placed teams that will advance to the knockout rounds.

“So we have with Mexico and Denmark, two very big teams. So it will be difficult for us to be in second or first. But on the other side now, with the new World Cup, the first eight of third places can go through,” he added.

“So we have to focus on that, and maybe we can be one of the best first and third places.”

“I think it will be difficult at the World Cup, so we don’t have to forget that. It should have been better if the last draw of our group had been another team. Now we have Denmark, probably,” the 2017-AFCON winning coach further said.

South Africa seeking better outing in 2026

“We have Mexico first game, I can’t say we will win. This will be very difficult, so maybe the first game you lose, and then it’s already a game that you have to win.

“So it’s not so easy, but at the other side, I think it will be a very good experience for our team. It’s something we need to play against those teams.”

South Africa have never gotten past the group stages at a World Cup following early eliminations in 1998, 2002 and 2010.