Bafana Bafana legend Bartlett: Korea, not Mexico, poses the biggest World Cup threat

South Africa’s legendary striker Shaun Bartlett has reiterated South Korea’s strength will pose a greater challenge than the more-fancied Mexico at the 2026 Fifa World Cup for the nation.

The former Bafana Bafana player, revered for his contributions to the national team’s success, is urging the team to prepare for a tough encounter against the Koreans.

At 53-year old, Bartlett remains an iconic figure in South African football history, with a remarkable tally of 29 goals in 74 appearances, making him the second-highest scorer for his country. He played a pivotal role in helping South Africa clinch the African Nations Cup in 1996.

He also made a memorable impact at the 1998 Fifa World Cup, becoming the first South African player to score a brace in a World Cup match, against Saudi Arabia.

Reflecting on Bafana Bafana’s group stage fixtures, Bartlett said: "The funny thing is that everybody assumes that Mexico will be the most difficult game.

"I think the Korea game will be the toughest because those guys will run for 95-105 minutes. They are also very technically skilled.’

Such insights are crucial as South Africa approach their group stage matches, notably with anticipation surrounding their opening encounter against Mexico. Bartlett stressed the need for strategic discipline, as South Africa’s final group match is against South Korea, a fixture he believes could decide their fate in the tournament.

"We need to be disciplined in that particular game. It will be our last (group) game, but hopefully, by then we will know whether we are through or not," Bartlett remarked.

"The way the World Cup is structured, I believe three points, or even four, are enough to qualify for the last 32."

He added that a solid start will be key to their success, emphasising that the first game is paramount in setting the tone for the tournament.

"A positive result in the first game is critical," he urged.

Bartlett’s thoughts on player potential do not stop at tactics. He has also issued a challenge to the current squad, specifically to winger Mohau Nkota, to not only aim for individual success but also to break his long-standing scoring record.

"I gave Mohau Nkota the challenge when I said to him: I stopped playing 20 years ago, and I am still the second all-time leading goalscorer. I want (him) to break that record and score two goals in a World Cup. He has accepted the challenge,’ Bartlett confirmed.

With confidence in the squad’s abilities, Bartlett expressed optimism.

"The boys have done well over the last two years. They must take that confidence into the World Cup," he stated.

South Africa will also face the possibility of meeting Denmark again — having shared a group with them in 1998 — should they navigate the qualification rounds successfully.

Despite recognising the challenges ahead, Bartlett remained confident that the current squad are capable of achieving success.

"We have shown we can go away from home and get results," he said.

With the tournament fast approaching, Bafana Bafana fans will be watching to see how these lessons translate into performances on the world stage, especially at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later this month.