2026 World Cup: Hugo Broos Celebrates South Africa’s Qualification, Says Missing Out Would’ve Been ‘Very Bitter’
Story: written by Peterson October 15,2025
Head coach of Bafana Bafana, Hugo Broos, has expressed immense joy after leading South Africa to their first FIFA World Cup qualification since 2010, when they hosted the tournament.
The veteran Belgian tactician guided South Africa to the top of Group C, securing the only automatic ticket ahead of Nigeria, who finished second.
Speaking to SuperSport after the confirmation of their qualification, the 78-year-old described the achievement as one of the proudest moments of his coaching career but admitted it would have been “a very bitter experience” if they had failed to qualify.
“It’s fantastic. We won the World Cup ticket for South Africa. I finished third in the Africa Cup of Nations, and now, today, we have this qualification,” Broos said.
“I can’t choose which gives me more joy — all of them were incredible experiences.”
Broos reflected on how much football in South Africa has evolved during his tenure, noting that fan support has grown significantly.
“Four years ago, there was nobody in the stadiums. It was difficult playing in empty venues. But today, you can see the excitement — everyone is behind us. It’s a beautiful feeling.”
He also acknowledged the passion of South African fans, saying the qualification brought relief and joy to a nation that had waited over a decade to return to football’s biggest stage.
“The people have waited a long time for this. We knew we couldn’t afford to miss out because the whole nation was watching. If we hadn’t made it, it would’ve been very, very bitter,” he added.
The victory cements Broos’ legacy as one of Africa’s most successful foreign coaches, following his earlier triumph at the 2017 AFCON with Cameroon and his recent resurgence with Bafana Bafana.
