Broos warns: Losing opener would put Bafana in difficult position

After four years of anticipation, qualification campaigns, heartbreak and hope across 48 nations, the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today, and South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has made clear that his Bafana Bafana side are ready for what lies ahead, warning that the tournament’s expanded format makes winning the opening fixture more critical than ever.

Broos, who has had his squad in camp for 10 days to acclimatise to the altitude of their opening venue, spoke with quiet confidence ahead of Bafana Bafana’s first group stage assignment, acknowledging the quality of their opponents while insisting his side have done everything required to be competitive.

“Because of the altitude, we had to be here a little bit sooner,” Broos said.

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