Helman Mkhalele, a former South African international and current assistant coach of Bafana Bafana, has expressed confidence that the team will advance from Group A in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Mkhalele highlighted the squad's preparation and unity as key factors for success.
Group A includes hosts United States, along with Netherlands, Ecuador, and South Africa. Mkhalele acknowledged the challenge but emphasized the team's belief in their abilities. 'We have a strong group of players who are ready to compete at the highest level,' he said.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks the first time the tournament features 48 teams. South Africa qualified after a strong performance in the CAF qualifiers, securing their spot with a decisive victory over Nigeria.
Mkhalele's optimism is shared by many fans, though analysts note the difficulty of the group. The team's opening match is against the Netherlands on June 15, 2026.
