2026 FIFA World Cup: AFCON 2023 MVP offers shocking insight into South Africa’s final game against Korea

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has weighed in on South Africa's performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting that they have a very low chance of reaching the knockout phase, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Al-Ahli defender captained Nigeria through the World Cup qualifiers before announcing his retirement from International football after the Super Eagles failed to qualify, losing the play-offs to DR Congo, who did well to hold Portugal in their opening group game.

Ekong represented Nigeria at three AFCON tournaments, winning the bronze medal in 2019, scoring against South Africa en route, before replicating the same at the AFCON 2023, where he won the silver medal and the tournament's MVP award.

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World Cup: Troost-Ekong explains why South Africa may exit the World Cup

Bafana Bafana have accrued just a point from their opening two fixtures. The first game against Mexico ended in a loss, and two red cards for Hugo Broos men.

While the next game against Czechia was much improved, a point only complicated the situation of the one-time African Champions.

Ekong, weighing in on the situation, revealed that anything but a win will see South Africa become the first team to go home from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“I think I probably agree [with Bafana’s critics] in a sense that the opening game wasn’t where everyone expected them to be,” the 32-year-old said in a round table of journalists in quotes revealed by Goal.

“Normally they [Bafana] have a very clear playing style, and it was good to see that in the second game [against Czechia],” Ekong continued.

“Bafana were consistent in the qualifiers, and we [Nigeria] 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.”

While Mexico have already qualified from Group A, there are still other spots up for grabs. South Korea are currently on three points while Czechia and South Africa share one.

A point will guarantee the Taeguk Warriors a place in the next round. Because they're well known for their high intensity and tactical discipline, Ekong opines that the mental weight will be tough for the Bafana Bafana to carry.

“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,” the former Super Eagles captain warned.

“They were a lot better against Czechia, but it won’t be easy for them to beat [South] Korea.”

To worsen their fate, South Africa will be without key players like Themba Zwane and Sphephelo Sithole, who have been suspended following their red cards against Mexico.