South Africa coach Hugo Broos believes his team has earned the right to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite a recent setback in their campaign.
Bafana Bafana will host Zimbabwe in Durban on Friday, 10 October 2025, before concluding their qualifying run against Rwanda in Mbombela four days later.
The two fixtures will decide their fate in Group C and determine whether they secure a spot at next year’s tournament in North America.
Broos addressed his squad ahead of the decisive matches and expressed complete confidence in their ability to deliver under pressure.
He plans to reinforce that belief during a team meeting before the clash with Zimbabwe.
“There is no doubt, there has never been any doubt on my part, and I will try to convey that to the players,” Broos said.
“I believe in this group and I am sure they will do everything possible to win on Friday.”
The Belgian coach praised the team’s performance throughout the qualifiers and questioned why they should lose confidence now.
He insisted that their consistency and determination prove they belong among the world’s best teams.
“Why should we doubt ourselves now after our performances in qualifying? If there is one team that deserves to go to the World Cup, it’s South Africa,” he added.
South Africa’s campaign faced a major setback last week when FIFA deducted three points for fielding a suspended player. The sanction dropped them to second place in Group C, level on 14 points with Benin.
The decision increased the pressure on Broos and his players, who must now win their remaining matches and hope for favourable results elsewhere.
If Benin wins both of their fixtures against Rwanda and Nigeria, South Africa’s World Cup hopes could end despite their strong performances.
Broos, however, refuses to focus on scenarios beyond his team’s control. He wants his players to concentrate fully on their own matches and maintain the level of intensity that has defined their campaign.
The match against Zimbabwe will play a pivotal role in shaping their qualification chances. Bafana Bafana aim to capitalise on home advantage and secure a crucial victory in Durban before facing Rwanda in Mbombela.
South Africa’s squad understands the magnitude of the task ahead. The players remain determined to reward their supporters with a return to the global stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Broos believes that the character and resilience shown by his team throughout the qualifiers will prove decisive in the final two matches.
He trusts their preparation and mentality to carry them through this crucial phase.
Despite the points deduction and the challenge posed by Benin, South Africa’s destiny remains partly in their own hands.
Victories in their final fixtures could still secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, depending on results elsewhere.
Broos and his players know the stakes and the importance of delivering when it matters most.
They remain confident that their hard work and performances will earn them the reward they believe they deserve.
