HUGO BROOS, the coach of the South African national team, acknowledged the challenges posed by the 2026 World Cup group but expressed confidence that his team can secure one of the best third-place finishes to advance to the Round of 16. South Africa will open their campaign against Mexico, a repeat of the historic 2010 World Cup clash, along with South Korea and a European qualifier, which Broos expects to be Denmark.
Broos admitted that the group is tough, particularly with the opening match against Mexico taking place in front of a massive home crowd.
He noted that while South Korea is a manageable opponent, the inclusion of Denmark adds to the challenge. Despite this, Broos believes Bafana Bafana can aim for a strong third-place finish. "Maybe we can be one of those," he said.
The coach highlighted the importance of securing a positive result in the opener, warning that an early loss could increase the pressure in their second match.
Still, he sees the group as a valuable learning experience. He emphasized the team's growth over the past two years and encouraged belief, noting that in football "everything is possible" when teams fight for every moment.
Broos also described the opening match against Mexico as a dream occasion for his players, predicting an electric 80,000-strong crowd.
With little external pressure on South Africa, he urged his squad to embrace the moment. "We have nothing to lose," he said. "When you enjoy something, you can achieve something. So let's do it."
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