South Africa head coach Hugo Broos says he is increasingly confident that his squad is well prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pointing to the influence of Mamelodi Sundowns players and a deliberately structured preparation camp as key factors ahead of their tournament opener.
Bafana Bafana are set to return to football’s biggest stage as part of the expanded 48-team World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The occasion marks South Africa’s first appearance at the tournament since 2010, and Broos believes his side is better equipped to compete than many expect.
A central theme of the Belgian coach’s approach has been the reliance on players from Mamelodi Sundowns, a dominant force in African club football.
Broos believes their experience in high-pressure continental competitions gives South Africa a vital advantage in handling the demands of World Cup football.
“It’s very important to have those players, they are used to playing big games, African Champions League games, they have experience playing in front of big crowds,” Broos said.
“There won’t be much South African supporters, so it’s a big help for the team for sure.”
Sundowns’ sustained success in the CAF Champions League has meant that several members of the national team are already accustomed to knockout football, often played in difficult away environments.
That experience, Broos argues, will be especially important in a World Cup setting where pressure and atmosphere can quickly influence matches.
Beyond player selection, Broos has also placed strong emphasis on preparation against varied opposition.
He revealed that South Africa’s build-up included matches against Central American teams, a deliberate shift designed to expose the squad to different tactical approaches.
“Our preparation was good, playing against Panama and Nicaragua, Central American teams like Mexico, it was important to play against those teams,” he explained.
“The last four years we only played African teams and the style of the two continents are different. The results weren’t important, but more the style and the experience of how they play, to have good preparation for the opener.”
The approach reflects a broader strategy focused less on results and more on adaptability.
Broos has prioritised tactical learning over short-term outcomes, ensuring his players are not surprised by unfamiliar playing styles when they step onto the World Cup stage.
South Africa’s return to the tournament also carries emotional weight. Their last appearance came in 2010, when they hosted the World Cup and captured global attention.
Sixteen years later, they arrive as competitors in a shared continental hosting arrangement, but with renewed ambition and belief.
For Broos, the campaign represents the culmination of a long-term rebuilding process.
With a core group shaped through consistent selection and strengthened by continental club success, the coach believes the foundation is in place.
