Louis Saha Urges African Teams, Including South Africa, to Believe in Winning the World Cup

• English Premier League legend Louis Saha has tipped African countries, including South Africa, as contenders for World Cup success later this year
• Bafana Bafana are part of the nine countries from Africa that have secured a qualification ticket to the biggest football competition in the world
• The former Manchester United star shared what African teams must embrace if they want to be successful at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in America

Bafana Bafana’s elimination at the first knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco was not the ideal preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup later this year in North America.

However, the growing confidence that they can match the world’s elite could prove invaluable on the global stage, after what African countries have achieved so far. That is the opinion of former Manchester United and France international Louis Saha.

Read also

Four South African students were selected for a prestigious US leadership programme

For years, African nations have been regarded as outsiders at the World Cup, rarely viewed as genuine title contenders, judging by their performance in the competition over the years. Saha argues that this long-held perception must be challenged if progress is to be made.

According to the former Manchester United striker, the foundation for any historic breakthrough lies in a shift in mentality.

African teams must embrace a winning mindset

Saha stressed that belief is now essential for African teams aiming to compete at the highest level.

He explained that nations must convince themselves they are capable of producing something extraordinary, including advancing deep into the tournament. In his view, South Africa should be part of that conversation after the Bafana Bafana secure a qualification ticket ahead of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

With the World Cup scheduled to take place across Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19, players are expected to face intense summer heat typical of the northern hemisphere.

Saha believes African teams are well equipped to handle such conditions, having regularly performed in similarly demanding environments at home. He noted that the ability to cope with extreme heat could even work in their favour.

Read also

Kaizer Chiefs sign South African midfielder from PSL rivals

He added that a renewed mindset is crucial, referencing conversations he has had with African legends such as Yaya Touré, Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o. In Saha’s assessment, African players must play without inferiority, abandoning any psychological barrier that places European or Western teams on a pedestal.

Saha: Africa capable of World Cup glory

Taking his argument further, Saha insisted that an African nation has the potential to lift the World Cup trophy.

He pointed to Morocco’s recent performances as evidence of what is possible, arguing there is no fundamental reason why an African team cannot go all the way.

While acknowledging that traditional powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, France and Germany often deliver when it matters most, Saha believes African sides have now reached a level where they are ready to compete head-to-head with the very best.

Bafana legend blasts CAF and FIFA

Briefly News also reported that a Bafana Bafana legend slams CAF and FIFA concerning their recent decision on the Africa Cup of Nations.

The former South African international is not happy with the African football governing body's decision to change the AFCON year cycle.

Source: Briefly News