Bafana Bafana Seek Confidence Boost in Final World Cup Warm-Up

Hugo Broos' men take on Jamaica in a closed-door match as they aim to build momentum ahead of Thursday's World Cup opener against Mexico. Meanwhile, Iran's ambassador says the country's participation demonstrates a pursuit of peace.

Bafana Bafana, South Africa's national men's football team, is seeking a confidence booster and momentum builder ahead of Thursday's opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City.

Hugo Broos' men face Jamaica in their final World Cup warm-up match on Saturday evening. The encounter will take place behind closed doors at the Hidalgo Stadium in Pachuca, where the team is based.

Broos is aware that the team is winless in their last four matches and that confidence will be key when they face the co-hosts. Mexico are on a high following a 5-1 win over Serbia, ranked 42nd in the world, on Thursday.

The match against Jamaica takes on added significance in the final preparation phase. It will also allow Broos to assess players before deciding his starting lineup for the opening match.

Iran Seeks Peace Through World Cup Participation

Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, said the country's participation in the World Cup on United States soil showed Tehran was seeking peace, even as the two countries remain at war.

The squad relocated its base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, due to ongoing visa issues and a growing feeling in Iran that the team's presence in the US should be kept to a minimum.