Former Nigeria international Benedict Akwuegbu has cast doubt on South Africa’s chances of progressing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting Bafana Bafana have looked tactically limited despite remaining in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.
South Africa head into their final Group A fixture against South Korea knowing that a positive result could keep their qualification hopes alive. However, Akwuegbu believes Hugo Broos’ side have not shown enough quality to suggest they can go far in the tournament.
Bafana Bafana opened their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico before recovering to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia. Those results have left them with one point from two matches and facing a must-win situation against South Korea in their final group game.
South Korea, meanwhile, began their campaign with a victory over Czechia before suffering a narrow defeat to Mexico. The Asians remain well placed to qualify and need only avoid defeat against South Africa to strengthen their chances of reaching the Round of 32.
Akwuegbu believes the encounter will expose the shortcomings he has observed in the South African team so far. According to the former Super Eagles forward, South Africa have struggled to create clear-cut opportunities and have relied heavily on defensive organisation rather than attacking ambition.
The ex-Nigeria striker also pointed to the growing gap between South Africa’s World Cup aspirations and the level of performance they have produced in North America. While Bafana Bafana deserve credit for qualifying for the tournament, he feels they have yet to show the quality required to compete consistently against stronger opposition.
The upcoming clash has added significance for Nigerian football followers given the fierce rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa in recent years. The two nations were grouped together during the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with South Africa ultimately securing qualification while the Super Eagles missed out on an automatic ticket.
For South Africa, the equation is straightforward. Anything less than victory against South Korea could leave them heading for an early exit, while a win would dramatically improve their chances of extending their stay in the competition.
The decisive Group A encounter is scheduled for June 24 in Monterrey, with both teams battling for a place in the knockout phase of the expanded 48-team World Cup.
As the pressure mounts, South Africa must now prove their critics wrong and deliver their biggest performance of the tournament when it matters most.
