Bafana Bafana's World Cup Hopes in Doubt After Trump's Controversial Decision, Mzansi Weighs In
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup faces uncertainty due to a recent policy shift by President Donald Trump, which could affect countries already dreaming of participating in the competition including South Africa
- Bafana Bafana are currently leading their qualifying group with 13 points, boosting hopes of securing a World Cup spot for the first time since 2010 when they hosted the tournament
- Top sponsors for the biggest football event in the world are currently re-assessing their decision as they are worried about the newly placed policy by the US president
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be hosted jointly by three North American nations, Canada, Mexico and the United States of America, but the biggest football event have been thrown into confusion after the recent policy shift by President Donald Trump.
South Africa are on course to book one of the tickets to the competition next year as the sit on top of their qualifying group with 13 points with four matches still left to play.
The next year's competition will be the first time 48 nations would be participating in it and also the maiden event where three nations will be the host.
Source: Twitter
The competition now faces uncertainty after the newly elected president of the US Donald Trump set new tariffs which could affect the sponsors of the event negatively.
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The newly approved tariffs would affect international trade and sponsorships, majorly for companies that are eager to take advantage of the big market avenue that the World Cup brings to the table.
The United States president's new plan includes steep 25% tariffs on goods from co-hosting nations Canada and Mexico; he also brought in additional tariffs affecting several countries like Vietnam (46%), China (34%), Australia, the UK, and India (26%).
Trump throws 2026 FIFA World Cup into uncertainty
Trump is aiming to "level the playing field" while boosting local manufacturing with a 10% tariff now applying to several other trading partners.
Sports bid strategist John Zerafa shared his thoughts on the new development in an interview BBC Sports, and claimed brands dropping money for the World Cup will now re-assess their plans to continue with the sponsorship.
Source: Getty Images
"I think some sponsors are now rethinking how they engage with these kinds of deals in the US, especially with the new trade restrictions in place," he said.
"Why would a sponsor invest millions of pounds if it's now difficult or even impossible to sell in the American market?"
Brands like Aramco, Qatar Airways, Lenovo and Hyundai-Kia; especially those that rely majorly on global trade will be affected badly by the new reform.
Even with the ongoing controversy the US president is dedicate to welcome others from all across the world and he's leading a World Cup taskforce to that effect.
Fans react as Trump throws the World Cup into uncertainty
jairo0te said:
"Donald Trump Tries Bullying His Way Into Hosting The 2026 Soccer World Cup. “Why should we be supporting these co."
Raviinagdev wrote:
"Now this tariff tariff seems boring, for us as well as the market."
brezzada reacted:
"Can this man just stop all these things he's doing. He's forcing dominance at this point..."
Nhlanhla commented:
Trump's tariff fight will mess up the world trade, and the world cup is coming next year."
Bafana Bafana top Group C in WCQ
Bafana Bafana currently top Group C in the CAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 13 points from six matches.
Their recent 2-0 victory against Lesotho, and 2-0 victory over Benin, solidified their position at the top.
However, the group remains competitive, with Rwanda and Benin trailing by five points, and Nigeria further behind but trailing by six points.
With four matches remaining, South Africa's path to qualification is promising but they will have to remain consistent with their performance.
How do Trump's tariffs threaten SA's participation in WC?
President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a 30% tariff on South African exports to the U.S. has raised concerns about potential impacts on Bafana Bafana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It is believed that tariffs could strain South Africa's economy, potentially affecting funding for Bafana Bafana’s preparations and travel arrangements.
There is also a possibility of heightened trade tensions which may lead to stricter visa policies. This can complicate the travel logistics for players, staff, and fans.
As earlier reported, the tariffs have also unsettled international sponsors of the World Cup, with some reconsidering their involvement in the tournament due to increased costs and political uncertainties.
FIFA threatens to ban African nation
Briefly News previously reported that FIFA are ready to place a ban on an African nation from international football after violating one of the World governing body's rules.
FIFA are said to have sent an official letter to the country as a warning if they fail to abide by the organisation's rule.
Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article
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Source: Briefly News
