South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has issued a blunt warning to his players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after expressing disappointment with Bafana Bafana’s performance in a 1-1 friendly draw against Jamaica in Mexico.
The Belgian coach questioned both his team’s execution and mentality following the behind-closed-doors warm-up match at Estadio Hidalgo in Pachuca, where South Africa are based as they prepare for their tournament opener against co-hosts Mexico. The match ended 1-1, with Lyle Foster scoring for Bafana Bafana before Dwayne Atkinson equalized for the Reggae Boyz.
Broos admitted the display fell well below his expectations despite believing the team had been making progress during its preparations.
“The performance was not what I expected,” Broos said via the South African Football Association. “We have to analyse the game very well and see what was really wrong and try to make it better in the next few days so that we are ready for the first game against Mexico.”
The 74-year-old was particularly concerned by what he described as shortcomings in the team’s mentality, insisting South Africa will need significantly higher standards if they are to compete successfully on football’s biggest stage.
“I think it was also a matter of mentality. We have to do more, much more, than what we did this afternoon to have good results in the World Cup in the next few weeks,” Broos added.
The draw continues an uneasy run of results for South Africa heading into the tournament. Reports in South African media noted that Bafana Bafana are now winless in their last five matches, increasing scrutiny ahead of a challenging Group A campaign.
South Africa will open their World Cup against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca, before facing Czech Republic and South Korea in the group stage. The tournament marks South Africa’s first World Cup appearance since hosting the competition in 2010.
Preparation for the tournament has not been entirely smooth. South Africa’s departure for Mexico was delayed by visa complications affecting members of the technical staff, while assistant coach Helman Mkhalele initially missed the team’s travel plans because of administrative issues.
Despite the concerns, Broos has repeatedly stated in recent months that South Africa can surprise opponents at the World Cup, pointing to the team’s strong qualification campaign and growing confidence following recent continental progress.
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