Qualifying for 2026 FIFA World Cup no longer in our hands – Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has painfully admitted that the chances of the Bafana Bafana qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are no longer in their hands.

The Bafana Bafana suffered a setback in the qualification campaign on Friday evening when they drew goalless with Zimbabwe in Round 9 of the qualifiers in Group C.

The stalemate in Durban dealt a heavy blow to South Africa’s qualification hopes, leaving them second in Group C with 15 points, two behind leaders Benin heading into the final round of matches.

Speaking after the game against Zimbabwe on Friday, a visibly disappointed Broos admitted that qualification is now uncertain and would require a stroke of luck for Bafana Bafana to make it to next year’s global tournament.

“Now, it’s no longer in our hands. It becomes even more difficult now. But it’s not 100 per cent lost; we might also need a miracle. It’s a sad night for us,” said Hugo Broos.

South Africa must now defeat Rwanda in their final fixture and hope that Nigeria beats Benin in the other crucial Group C encounter.

Any other outcome would see Benin seal qualification at Bafana Bafana’s expense.