Bafana Bafana are edging closer to securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a vital 2-0 victory over Benin. Coach Hugo Broos acknowledged that building a competitive squad took time, but the team’s progress is now evident. With 13 points from six games, South Africa leads Group C, putting them in a strong position for qualification.
A Step Closer to the World Cup
Bafana’s recent win away to Benin, thanks to goals from Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams, was crucial in maintaining their top spot. The victory came amid controversy surrounding Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility in the previous 2-0 win over Lesotho. Despite FIFA reviewing a possible points deduction, Bafana remain in a commanding position in their group.
Overcoming Obstacles
Beyond the Mokoena controversy, Bafana faced other challenges, such as being denied pre-match training in Abidjan due to Ivory Coast’s fixture scheduling. However, their resilience shone through as they dominated Benin, proving they have what it takes to qualify.
The Journey to Building a Competitive Team
Broos admitted that his early days in charge were challenging. “It was not easy in South Africa in the first year; there were a lot of problems,” he said. But with time, he and his staff identified the right players for the right positions, resulting in a well-balanced, competitive squad.
Reasons Why Bafana Bafana Could Qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Top Spot in Group C – Bafana currently lead their qualifying group with 13 points, putting them in a strong position.
- Squad Depth and Quality – Broos has built a team where changes can be made without weakening the overall performance.
- Confidence and Mental Strength – The team no longer fears any opposition and approaches games with a winning mindset.
- Strong Defensive Structure – Led by Ronwen Williams in goal, Bafana have shown defensive discipline, conceding few goals in qualifiers.
- Attacking Efficiency – With players like Lyle Foster, Percy Tau, and Jayden Adams delivering in key moments, Bafana have the firepower to secure crucial wins.
- Favourable Fixtures Remaining – While tough matches against Nigeria and Zimbabwe await, Bafana also face beatable teams like Lesotho and Rwanda.
- Hugo Broos’ Tactical Approach – The Belgian coach’s experience and tactical discipline have been instrumental in the team’s success.
- Momentum and Team Spirit – The squad is highly motivated, with recent results boosting their confidence.
- Experience from AFCON – Many players gained valuable experience at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which has strengthened their competitive edge.
- Determination to Return to the World Cup – Bafana have not qualified for the World Cup since hosting in 2010, and the players are hungry to make history.
Looking Ahead
Despite their strong position, Bafana Bafana must remain focused. Their remaining four qualifiers against Lesotho, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda will determine their fate. Broos remains optimistic, stating, “We are very close to qualifying, but we must keep working hard and avoid silly mistakes.”
With a well-structured team and a determined mindset, Bafana Bafana have every reason to believe they can make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The dream is alive, and South Africa is ready to witness history.
Related article: Bafana Bafana Sink Benin 2-0 to Stay Top of Group C
