Broos defends Bafana’s failed tactics against Mexico, says: “It was working”
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos does not seem to regret his controversial tactical approach during his side’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
The Belgian tactician left many surprised when he started the game using an unfamiliar 3-5-2 system dominated by defensive players, a move many believe handed Mexico the opportunity to dominate the match early on.
However, despite Bafana heading back to the drawing board with zero points and losing two players to red cards, Broos maintained that his strategy was not a mistake.
Speaking after the match at the Estadio Azteca, Broos said those who watched the game should understand why he made that decision.
“I think if you watched the game, you can see why we played that way,” Broos said.
“Apart from the first 15 minutes when Mexico put us under immense pressure, the game was balanced. They even ran out of ideas on what to do with the ball. Their defenders were just passing it around without many solutions.”
The coach stated that this fact alone serves as an answer to everyone criticising his starting lineup and approach.
However, Bafana’s troubles did not end with just the defeat. The team will head into a crucial match against Czechia next week without Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, both of whom were sent off with red cards in Mexico.
“I think the first red card (for Sithole), I won’t say anything about,” Broos said on the cards.
“With the second red card, I think the Mexican player fouled my player. But the referee decided something else. It is a bit of a pity we had to finish the game with nine players.”
The pressure has now mounted heavily on Broos, as Bafana are forced to get a positive result in their next match to keep their dreams of progressing to the knockout stages of the World Cup alive.