Troost-Ekong: South Africa Deserves a Spot in the 2026 World Cup

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Former Super Eagles captain William Troost‑Ekong said that South Africa earned a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bafana Bafana topped their qualifying group, which also included Nigeria, to secure a berth at the tournament for the first time since hosting it in 2010.

The Super Eagles, however, missed out on qualification for a second consecutive World Cup after losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties in the final round of the African playoffs.

Troost‑Ekong Backs Bafana Bafana

Troost‑Ekong acknowledged that South Africa earned their ticket through greater consistency during the qualifying campaign.

Read Also:World Cup 2026: Troost‑Ekong Backs Ghana To Earn Point Against England

“Bafana were consistent in the qualifiers, and we were playing catch‑up from the first game, and we dropped a lot of points, so at the end they qualified and we didn’t. So, they deserve to be at the World Cup,” the centre‑back told Supersport.

Crunch South Korea Test

Bafana Bafana began their campaign at the ongoing World Cup with a 2‑0 defeat to co‑hosts Mexico before drawing 1‑1 with Czechia in their second Group A match.

The former African champions must now beat South Korea in their final group game at the Estadio Monterrey in Mexico on Thursday to reach the Round of 32.

Troost‑Ekong said it will be a difficult task for South Africa, especially without suspended duo Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena.

“It’s going to be challenging for Bafana, especially because they will be missing some players due to suspension. It’s going to be a huge pressure game. They were a lot better against Czechia, but it won’t be easy for them to beat Korea,” added Troost‑Ekong.

By Adeboye Amosu