Benni McCarthy backs South Africa to shock critics at 2026 World Cup

Benni McCarthy believes Bafana Bafana have what it takes to surprise many at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being considered underdogs in Group A.

South Africa are set to face Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic.

Bafana will begin their campaign against Mexico on June 11.

South Africa has been described as the weakest side in the group based on the latest FIFA rankings. Bafana are currently ranked 60th in the world, behind South Korea (25th), Mexico (15th) and Czechia (41st).

However, McCarthy remains confident that South Africa can compete strongly against their opponents and possibly progress to the knockout stage.

“I think we have a good chance, a very good chance because Mexico is a good team, South Korea is a good team, Czech a good team, but they are not great teams,” McCarthy told KICK OFF Magazine.

“They are not teams that have won World Cups. So, I would rather play those teams than face France, Germany and all the other big nations. Those are great teams,” added the former striker, who is currently the head coach of the Kenya national football team.

The former Porto and Blackburn Rovers forward also pointed to South Africa’s recent performances at the Africa Cup of Nations as evidence that the team can hold their own on the global stage.

“We went to the semi-final of AFCON in 2024 and reached the Round of 16 this year. We got knocked out, but we have pedigree. We have got good quality,” he said.

McCarthy further stressed that Bafana would have a better opportunity against teams like Mexico and South Korea than against traditional world football powerhouses.

“Not that I’m being disrespectful, but you just know, us against Germany, against England, it’s the reality, we have no chance. We are three points down already,” he stated.

“But against South Korea, against Mexico, I don’t know. It can go any way.”

The South African legend concluded by insisting that the outcome will depend largely on Bafana’s performances during the tournament.

“If we play like we know we can play, we beat Mexico and South Korea. So, there we have a fighting chance.”

Meanwhile, Hugo Broos is expected to name his squad for the tournament in the coming weeks.