Former Orlando Pirates head coach and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Roger de Sa has provided a tactical breakdown of South Africa’s Group A opponents ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bafana are in Group A together with co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic. They will be bidding to reach the knockouts for the first time in their history at the tournament.
They kick off their campaign against Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium on June 11, a replay of the 2010 World Cup opener, which was, ironically, played on the same date. Their second assignment will be in Georgia, Atlanta, against the Czech Republic, before returning to Mexico to conclude group business against South Korea, but this time around in Monterrey.
In trying to navigate their way to the Round of 32, Hugo Broos‘ side will try to banish the fact that they are the lowest-ranked team on the FIFA world standings, in 60th position in their group. Besides being hosts, Mexico are the team to beat in this pool as they are the highest-ranked side at position 15 globally.
Ten places under are South Korea, while the Czechs are placed 41st.
DE SA CASTS EYE ON BAFANA’S WORLD CUP OPPONENTS
“Mexico are a good team, I played against them three years ago when we beat them [1-0] at the [CONCACAF] Gold Cup with Qatar. Korea are unbelievable, they run forever and look like they have 13 players on the pitch with their high speed,” De Sa told FARPost.
“The Czechs are big, strong guys. We are going to get tested. We could win all three games or lose all three games. What happens with the national team is that things change, unlike club football.
“Players come and go in the national team. They feel the pride, glamour, and responsibility. Tournament football is not league football. You play for the results all the time, and if you make one mistake, you pack your bags and go back home,” added De Sa, who was at the 2022 World Cup as Iran assistant coach to Carlos Queiroz.
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