Hugo Broos Boasts: Why South Africa Will Outshine Nigeria, Benin In 2026 World Cup Race

With confidence ahead of Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, Hugo Broos says Bafana Bafana have every reason to believe they will book their ticket to the tournament.

The Belgian tactician, who has steered South Africa through a rollercoaster qualifying campaign, insists his side still hold the edge over rivals Nigeria and Benin Republic as the Group C race heads into its decisive stage later this month.

Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg, Broos emphasized the importance of the upcoming clash:

“That game on Friday is maybe the most important. If we can win, we’ll have 17 points. Nigeria, even if they win both of their games, can only reach 17 points, the same as Rwanda. But Benin cannot win both because they still face Nigeria and Rwanda. That’s why Friday is so crucial for us.”

At present, Benin sit at the top of the group with 14 points, narrowly ahead of South Africa on goal difference. Nigeria and Rwanda trail on 11 points each, keeping the battle wide open as the final round of fixtures approaches. With so much at stake, every goal and every result will be decisive.

The journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Just weeks ago, FIFA docked South Africa three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their 1–0 win over Lesotho in March. Mokoena had already been suspended after picking up two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers.

The sanction pushed South Africa down to second place behind Benin, but Broos insists the decision has only fuelled his players’ determination.

“There are no doubts, and there have never been any doubts from my side,” he told the SAFA website. “I believe in this group. They will give everything to win on Friday. Why should we doubt now after what we’ve shown in the qualifiers? If there’s a team that deserves to be at the World Cup, it’s South Africa.”

Friday’s clash at the FNB Stadium is expected to draw a massive home crowd, and Broos knows their energy could make all the difference. A win would return South Africa to the top of Group C and pile pressure on Nigeria and Benin ahead of their own fixtures.

Still, the coach remains grounded:

“We just need to do our job. We can’t control what happens in the other games, but we can control our performance,” he said.