Mexico news

The retired South African defender has urged fans to remain patient with the Bafana head coach, backing his long-term vision despite a disappointing friendly defeat to Panama and expressing confidence that the team is still on the right path towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The former Cameroon tactician has admitted his side must find a clinical edge in front of goal after a frustrating set of results during the recent international break. Despite dominating long spells of possession, the Mzansi side struggled to convert their build-up play into goals, leaving the veteran tactician with plenty of food for thought ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 20-year-old has been massive for the national team since getting his chance in mid-last year following convincing displays while with Orlando Pirates. Even after his move to the Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, the youngster has shown no signs of stopping from delivering for Mzansi when given an opportunity.

South Africa's head coach has hinted to SAFA that the team should secure high-profile friendly matches against European or Asian opposition during the next international break. The Belgian tactician is eager to refine his squad’s preparations following a challenging double-header against Panama.

GOAL breaks down all the confirmed qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, plus the teams who could soon be on their way.

The Mzansi outfit squandered a series of clear-cut chances, allowing Los Canaleros to capitalise and secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory in Tuesday evening’s friendly, just a couple of days after the two sides had played out a 1-1 draw in Durban, ultimately handing the visitors a 3-2 aggregate win over the two matches and marking Hugo Broos' first home defeat in charge.

The three-time CAF Champions League winner has been without a club for over a year since leaving his last team in Iran. During this period, he has been focusing on developing young talent through his football schools. While away from the dugout, he continues to be linked with a number of teams looking to secure his services.

For long, Bucs and Masandawana have formed the backbone of the national team. Going into the World Cup finals, the same is expected to happen given the competitive levels of both teams. Now, Broos wants to see that change, and he wants other clubs to step up.

South Africa’s attack has become a growing concern ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with their forwards struggling to find form at club level. Of those players, the Burnley forward has been attracting more attention.

The players’ quest to secure places at the global football tournament continues, but the coach says he has already made up his mind about the bulk of the squad he intends to select. He insisted that even if some players deliver below expectations against Panama on Tuesday, they would still form part of his final selection.

Bafana Bafana are in action once again against the Central African state on Tuesday, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations intensify. Both nations will be chasing the crown in the global tournament that will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States from June 11 to July 19.

South Africa return to action for a second match in four days, hosting the Central Americans in an international friendly match at Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday. After the two sides played to a 1-1 draw at Moses Mabhida Stadium last Friday, at stake is victory, a morale-boosting result as they both gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.