Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed cautious optimism about South Africa’s chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation while urging supporters to remain measured in their expectations.
The tournament, set to take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada in June and July, will see South Africa begin their campaign against Mexico. The fixture mirrors the team’s opening match at the 2010 World Cup, which was hosted on home soil.
Cardoso believes recent performances at club level offer encouragement that South African football can compete internationally. He pointed to Sundowns’ showing at the FIFA Club World Cup as evidence that teams from the country can hold their own against elite opposition.
“Look, when we prepared for the FIFA Club World Cup with Sundowns, everybody was like what we were capable of doing over there,” said Cardoso.
“And I think we showed that South Africa has the quality to be represented in such high-level competitions and perform.”
Despite this confidence, the Portuguese coach acknowledged that fine margins often determine success in major tournaments. He referenced a narrow encounter against Brazilian side Fluminense as an example of how small details can shape outcomes.
“We stayed a little bit closer, but not enough. You saw that in the match with Fluminense FC; we could have targeted qualification for the following round,” he said.
“The way the team settled down and waited for us and showed respect to us, it shows that we were there, and the way the coach spoke with me, it’s clear that they [respected us].”
Drawing parallels between club and international football, Cardoso suggested that South Africa’s national team can replicate similar performances if adequately prepared. However, he cautioned that logistical and scheduling challenges could influence their progress.
“So, I said the same about South Africa. If we were able to do it and show a good level, those are the details if you’re going to go through the group stage, the lack of the calendar.”
He also emphasised the importance of a strong start to the tournament, noting that an early victory can ease pressure and build confidence within the squad.
“Obviously, the first match can be important; like us, when we played at the Club World Cup, we won against Ulsan HD FC. It gave us the confidence to play the following ones without the big pressure.”
While acknowledging that South Africa faces a challenging group, Cardoso stopped short of describing it as insurmountable. Instead, he called on fans to support the team without placing undue expectations on the players.
“I think it’s important that South Africans support the team without putting pressure on the boys because the group is not an easy group, but it is also not an impossible one.”
Cardoso added that playing attractive football would be key to maintaining public support, expressing confidence in head coach Hugo Broos to guide the team effectively.
“It would be beautiful to see South Africa represented over there. It’s also important that the team shows quality football so that everyone stays happy because South Africans like quality football, and the coach [Hugo Broos] will take care of that for sure.”
He concluded by reiterating his full backing for the national side and its management.
“From my part, he has all the support that he may need, he knows that we support him fully because we support South Africa.”
