But, hes quick to point out that it won’t be a stroll in the park as his team returns to the global stage for the first time in 16 years.

Bafana find themselves in Group A, and they’ll have the honour of kicking off the tournament against co-hosts Mexico. 

The encounter brings back vivid memories for South African fans, as the last time Bafana played in a World Cup was on home soil in 2010 – and, coincidentally, also against Mexico in the opening game at the FNB stadium.

Siphiwe Tshabalala striking his goal against Mexico in the 2010 World Cup opener at the FNB stadium. Photo: X

On that unforgettable 11 June evening, Bafana held El Tri to a 1-1 draw. Simphiwe Tshabalala’s thunderous 55th-minute strike gave South Africa the lead and instantly became an iconic moment in the nation’s sporting history. But the joy was short-lived, with Rafael Márquez equalising for Mexico just ten minutes from full-time.

Fast forward 16 years, and the rivalry is set to resume. Bafana will face an incredibly tough opener against the co-hosts at the legendary Estadio Azteca – a stadium renowned for its intimidating atmosphere, which was also the scene of Argentina’s 3-2 triumph over West Germany in the 1986 World Cup final. 

With just shy of a 120 000 capacity, the atmosphere will be electric. 

Broos, who represented Belgium at that very ’86 World Cup, warned the road ahead will be challenging, but believes his squad may just have the qualities to progress to the knockout stages.

“It’s not an easy one,” said Broos, who will retire after the World Cup.

“First of all, our opening game is against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium – a home game for them – so that will be very tough for us. Then we have South Korea. From that point of view, I was actually happy with Mexico and South Korea, but I hoped the last team would be something different to what we have now.”

Bafana Bafana celebrating the opening goal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Mexico. Photo: X

“Now it looks like we will also have Denmark in our group. With Mexico and Denmark, we’re facing two very strong teams, so finishing first or second will be difficult. But on the other hand, with the new World Cup format, the best eight third-placed teams can also advance. We have to focus on that – and maybe we can be one of the best third-placed teams.”

The fourth team in the group will be confirmed in March, with Denmark, Macedonia, the Czech Republic, or Ireland still in the mix.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg