Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos faces striker dilemma with 43 days to World Cup

Key facts

• Hugo Broos has 43 days to finalize a 25-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• South Africa is in Group A with Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic.
• Bafana Bafana failed to score in recent friendlies against Panama.
• Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa have been unconvincing in attack.
• Former striker Katlego Mphela advocates for four strikers, including Iqraam Rayners.
• South Africa opens against Mexico on June 11 in Mexico City.
• Broos plans a high-altitude training camp in Pachuca, Mexico.
• South Africa qualified directly for the World Cup, unlike in 2010 when they were hosts.

Countdown to kickoff

With 43 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is under pressure to finalize a squad that can end South Africa's scoring woes. The team has struggled in recent outings, including two international friendlies against Panama where they failed to find the net. Broos must select only 25 players for the tournament, making every attacking choice critical. South Africa will face Mexico in the opening match on June 11 at Mexico City's iconic stadium, a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener. The group also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic, presenting a formidable challenge for a team that qualified directly for the first time since 1998.

Striker selection under scrutiny

The attacking unit has been a major concern, with Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa failing to convince in recent matches. Former Bafana Bafana forward Katlego Mphela, who led the attack during the 2010 World Cup, has publicly urged Broos to take four strikers to the tournament. "Keep both Foster and Makgopa and add another two, different profiles," Mphela told The Sowetan. Mphela specifically recommended Iqraam Rayners, who is in form and can run behind defenders. He also mentioned Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kaizer Chiefs striker Khanyisa Mayo, though he noted Mayo's chances are low unless he becomes consistent. "You have Rayners, who’s in form and can run behind defenders. He can finish as well, so I don’t understand why we are not including him," Mphela said, referring to Rayners' omission from the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Preparations intensify

Broos has confirmed that preparations are in full swing, with scouting of group-stage opponents becoming the immediate priority. The coaching staff is analyzing Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic in detail. Friendly matches are being finalized, with fixtures against Nicaragua and possibly Puerto Rico under discussion. A key element of the build-up is a high-altitude training camp in Pachuca, Mexico. "We need at least 10 days for altitude adaptation. If we arrive too late, preparation becomes too short," Broos explained. Travel logistics add complexity, with matches scheduled across multiple cities including Mexico City, Atlanta, and Monterrey.

Confidence in knockout-stage push

Despite the attacking concerns, there is growing belief that Bafana Bafana can advance from the group. Mphela argued that the team has what it takes to reach the knockout phase. "Bafana have what it takes to advance to the knockout phase of the tournament. I mean, for them to qualify for the World Cup means they are competent. They qualified directly, unlike us in 2010, who qualified as hosts, so they have a strong team that can come out of that group," he said. Broos himself has expressed confidence in the squad's ability to deliver for South African fans. The team's direct qualification—a first since 1998—has fueled optimism that this generation can surpass the 2010 team, which failed to advance past the group stage.

The road ahead

The next 43 days will test Broos's tactical acumen and squad management. The decision on whether to carry four strikers—and which ones—will be pivotal. With Foster and Makgopa likely secured, the battle for the remaining spots among Rayners, Mabasa, and Mayo will intensify. South Africa's World Cup campaign begins on June 11 against Mexico. The team will then face South Korea and the Czech Republic in Group A. If Broos can solve the scoring problem, Bafana Bafana have a genuine chance to make history.

The bottom line

• Hugo Broos has 43 days to select a 25-man squad for the World Cup, with striker depth a key issue.
• South Africa opens against Mexico on June 11, a repeat of the 2010 opener.
• Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa have been unconvincing, prompting calls for four strikers.
• Katlego Mphela recommends Iqraam Rayners, Tshegofatso Mabasa, and Khanyisa Mayo as additional options.
• Broos plans a high-altitude camp in Pachuca and friendlies against Nicaragua and possibly Puerto Rico.
• South Africa qualified directly for the World Cup, boosting belief they can advance from Group A.