Bafana Bafana midfielder Bathusi Aubaas, in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, says the team can reach the knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Africa has returned to the global football fiesta for the first time since 2010 when they hosted the tournament.
“We are happy to be back in the World Cup, and we are privileged to represent the country and to be Bafana Bafana players. It was not easy qualifying for the World Cup after such a long time. We had a difficult camp, obviously, but our coach played a huge part,” he exclusively told Footy-Africa.
“He told us not to listen to what people have to say because if you do badly, they’ll talk, and if you do well, they’ll also talk. We just have to stay focused, and we are happy to be back.”
Hugo Broos’ side has been drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and a team from UEFA Playoff D (Czechia/Ireland/Denmark/North Macedonia).
Group play begins for South Africa on June 11 against Mexico in Mexico City, a repeat of the 2010 opener that ended 1–1.
Aubaas went on to assess his team’s chances against some of the tournament’s regular contenders:
“For most of us, it’s our first time going to the World Cup, and we know we’re going to meet top-quality teams and many great players, as expected. It is the highest level of football. We’ll be ready, and I can’t wait to be there.”
South Africa has never advanced beyond the group stage and enters the 2026 tournament ranked No. 61 in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
When asked if they can reach the Round of 16 this time, the Mamelodi Sundowns player said:
“It’s possible to make it out of the group”.
