World Cup 2026: It will be difficult for South Africa to top Group A – Hugo Broos

The head coach of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, Hugo Broos, has admitted that his side will struggle to top Group A or even finish second at the end of the group phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His side has been placed alongside co-hosts Mexico, Korea Republic and the winner of European play-off D, a slot that will go to either Czechia, Ireland, North Macedonia or Denmark.

With Mexico ranked 15th in the world by FIFA and Korea Republic 22nd, Broos is bracing for a demanding group-stage campaign. Speaking after the draw, he acknowledged that the opening match presents an immediate challenge, as South Africa will face Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

“It’s not an easy one. First of all, we play the first game of the tournament against Mexico in Azteca Stadium. A home game for Mexico, so it will be very tough for us, that game. Secondly, we have South Korea, so from that point I was happy with Mexico and South Korea,” Broos said.

The coach added that the final team in the group is unlikely to make things easier, noting the possibility of Denmark joining the pool.

“And I hope the last one, it should be something else than what we have now. So now probably we will have also Denmark in our group. So we have Mexico and Denmark, two very big teams. So it will be difficult for us to be second or first,” Broos said.

Meanwhile, Broos is currently focusing on the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The tournament is scheduled to kick off on December 21.