Last week, South Africa was drawn in Group B for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. 

While this is a priority, attention is also shifting to the Fifa World Cup. Bafana hasn’t played in a World Cup since 2010, when it was hosted in South Africa. However, the last time they qualified for the global showpiece was in 2002, for the tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea. 

For 2010, Bafana qualified automatically by virtue of being the host nation. Before 2010, South Africa made their World Cup debut in 1998 in France, and also competed in 2002.

While Broos has achieved tremendous success as a coach, he has yet to attend the World Cup in that capacity and is determined to do everything possible to help South Africa qualify.

In 1986, Broos represented the Red Devils of Belgium at the World Cup in Mexico.

South Africa is in a strong position to qualify but still faces tough games. Broos stated that coaching at the World Cup remains his ultimate goal. “It’s also, for me, a big ambition to be there. I was there as a player at the World Cup, but I really want to be there as a coach. I will be 74 years old next year, and I think it’s a very nice moment to end my career. So, let’s hope we can achieve it.”

Hugo Broos. Photo: Morgan Piek

Broos warned that while the team is confident, they remain cautious about the challenges ahead, particularly the threat posed by Benin, who are better than many people realise. “Starting with Lesotho – we are playing here in South Africa, so OK, this is a must-win,” Broos added.

“Benin is maybe stronger than everyone thinks, especially when playing away. When we go there, they will be playing in Ivory Coast. We have good experiences in Ivory Coast, so we can be a little optimistic, but again, these will be very difficult games in March.”

The 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho will be played on 17 March at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. On the 24th, they will face Benin in the Ivory Coast at a venue yet to be confirmed.

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