Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has boldly declared that South Africa deserves to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup over Nigeria, expressing unwavering confidence as his team prepares for crucial final qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
“If any team deserves to go to the World Cup it’s South Africa not Nigeria,” Broos stated as his squad assembled in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, on Monday, highlighting the hard work his charges have put in over the last two years.
The Belgian tactician noted that Nigeria can only reach 17 points if the Super Eagles win their last two games, while Benin Republic cannot win their remaining matches, giving South Africa a mathematical advantage in Group C. Bafana Bafana recently suffered a three-point deduction from FIFA for fielding Teboho Mokoena in the qualifier against Lesotho in March 2025.
Despite the setback, Broos remains confident, stating “There’s never been doubt that we will qualify” after seeing his team’s performance in the last eight games. South Africa faces Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the final decisive matches that could secure their place at the 2026 tournament in North America.
