South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has admitted that Bafana Bafana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup now depend on Nigeria’s result against Benin Republic in Uyo, following a goalless draw with Zimbabwe in Durban on Friday.
The stalemate left South Africa on 15 points, two behind Group C leaders Benin and just one ahead of Nigeria, who sit third on 14 points.
With only one automatic qualification spot available, Broos’ men must now beat Rwanda in their final match on Tuesday and hope the Super Eagles defeat Benin to stand any chance of advancing.
“It’s still possible, but it becomes more difficult than today,” Broos told reporters after the match.
“We have to go to that match believing that maybe with a little miracle on Tuesday, we can still qualify.”
Broos emphasised that his side must focus on their own performance while hoping that results elsewhere favour them.
“Even if we win our game, we still need something in our favour on the other pitch in Nigeria. If the result is positive, with Nigeria beating Benin, we still have a chance to qualify,” he said.
We have to go to that match believing that maybe with a little miracle on Tuesday, we can still qualify.”
Broos emphasised that his side must focus on their own performance while hoping that results elsewhere favour them.
“Even if we win our game, we still need something in our favour on the other pitch in Nigeria. If the result is positive, with Nigeria beating Benin, we still have a chance to qualify,” he said.
Broos also acknowledged that Nigeria’s need for a big win over Benin could indirectly help South Africa’s cause. The Super Eagles, who are currently three points behind Benin and two goals worse off on goal difference, must win to overtake the group leaders.
“It’s a good thing that Nigeria can even be first now,” Broos noted.
They have to win against Benin in the last game. The biggest danger is now Benin. If we win, OK, Nigeria cannot be over us, but if we don’t win and Benin lose, then it will be the goal difference between them and Nigeria that decides the group.”
The Belgian coach admitted that the situation was far from ideal but urged his players to remain positive.
“It will really be disappointing if Nigeria wins against Benin and we don’t win against Rwanda, and by that defeat, we should miss the World Cup. That’s why today (Friday) it’s a very sad evening, but there’s still hope. We have to try to take the big chance that we have on Tuesday.”
The 73-year-old coach lamented his side’s situation, which he believes was worsened by administrative errors earlier in the campaign.
South Africa were docked three points this month after FIFA ruled that midfielder Teboho Mokoena had been ineligible to play in their 2–0 win over Lesotho in March. The points deduction handed Lesotho a 3–0 victory and cost Bafana the chance to remain top of the group.
