Miguel Cardoso believes Bafana Bafana possess the quality to compete with the world’s best, drawing direct parallels between the national team’s potential and Mamelodi Sundowns‘ recent exploits at the FIFA Club World Cup.
The World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026. South Africa are pitted in Group A with the hosts Mexico, South Korea, and Czech Republic.
Hugo Broos and his charges face a monumental task on June 11, 2026, when they tackle Mexico in the FIFA World Cup curtain-raiser. Slated for the altitude of Estadio Azteca, the Group A fixture serves as a repeat of the 2010 showpiece opener, requiring Bafana to be at their physical and tactical best from the first whistle.
Drawing comparisons between the national team’s potential and Sundowns’ exploits on the global stage [Club World Cup], Cardoso highlighted that South African football has already earned the respect of international heavyweights.
HOW MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FARED AT THE 2025 FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP
Sundowns gave a good account of themselves at the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA, despite an early exit from the global showpiece.
The Brazilians made history by securing their first-ever win in the tournament, edging Ulsan HD FC 1-0. Cardoso’s men also proved their capabilities against South American opposition, grinding out a goalless draw against Brazilian giants Fluminense.
However, their journey came to an end following a 4-3 thriller against Borussia Dortmund, where a brave fightback wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the knockout phase. As a result, the Betway Premiership defending champions finished third in Group F, collecting four points from their three outings.
Sundowns players continue to be the heartbeat of the Bafana setup, providing a formidable core that has been instrumental in the national team’s recent success.
As South Africa gears up for the FIFA World Cup, the chemistry honed at Chloorkop remains Broos’ greatest asset. The Cardoso-coached side has consistently dominated squad selection with players such as Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Thapelo Morena, Iqraam Rayners, and Themba Zwane.
‘SOUTH AFRICA HAS THE QUALITY’: MIGUEL CARDOSO
Cardoso insists that the gap between Bafana and the world’s best is not as big as many perceive it to be, as South Africa has quality players capable of performing in prestigious tournaments like the World Cup.
According to the Portuguese tactician, Bafana’s success will depend on their ability to manage the psychological demands of a major tournament.
“Look, when we prepared for the FIFA Club World Cup with Sundowns, everybody asked what we were capable of doing over there. I think we showed that South Africa has the quality…in such high-level competitions and perform well,” said Cardoso.
“We [Sundowns] stayed a little bit closer, but not enough. You saw that in the match with Fluminense FC; we could have targeted qualification for the following round. The way the team settled down and was ready for us and showed respect demonstrates that we were there, and the way the coach spoke to me after the match.
“So, I said the same about South Africa. If we were able to do it and show a good level, the details matter if you’re going to go through the group stage. Obviously, the first match can be important; like us, when we played at the Club World Cup, we won against Ulsan HD FC. It gave us the confidence to play the next game and relieve the big pressure.
“I think it’s important that South Africans get the support they need without putting pressure on the boys. This is because the group they are in is not an easy one, but it is also not an impossible one. It would be beautiful to see South Africa represented over there. It’s also important that the team shows quality football so that everyone stays happy because South Africans appreciate quality football, and the coach [Hugo Broos] will take care of that for sure.”
Cardoso concluded by offering his full backing to the Belgian mentor: “From my part, he [Broos] has all the support he may need. He knows we support him fully, and that’s it.”
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