Former France World Cup winner Marcel Desailly believes South Africa could emerge as one of the surprise packages at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, tipping Bafana Bafana to make an impact on the global stage.
Desailly was speaking during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, which recently made a stop in South Africa, where several football legends gathered to celebrate the build-up to the 2026 showpiece, set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
In an interview with SABC Sport, the 1998 World Cup winner highlighted the opportunities presented by the tournament’s new expanded format, which will feature 48 teams for the first time.
“It’s quite simple – you’ve got the opportunity, out of the nine African teams that have qualified, to play this World Cup in a new format,” said Desailly. “Even being second or third in your group, you can qualify yourself for the knockout stage.”
The former Chelsea and AC Milan defender also praised the role of head coach Hugo Broos, crediting the Belgian tactician for transforming South Africa’s fortunes since taking charge in 2021.
“Preparation will be key, and you are lucky to have a smart coach who knows exactly what he’s talking about,” Desailly added. “He’s tasted victory at a major tournament, so he understands what it takes. He led South Africa to third place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, and that builds belief.”
Desailly was quick to temper expectations, however, noting that South Africa will not head into the World Cup as favourites – a reality he believes could actually work in their favour.
“You are not favourites to win, and that is the truth,” he said. “But the belief is there that the coach will prepare the team well, no matter who they face.”
The French icon also pointed to Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as a landmark moment for African football, one that has reshaped perceptions of what teams from the continent can achieve.
“That performance gave hope to African nations,” Desailly said, adding that South Africa should now be viewed alongside Senegal and Morocco as teams capable of handling the pressure on the world stage.
“Yes, Senegal and Morocco are there, but Bafana are also in the system,” he explained. “We hope they will have the ability to understand the pressure and translate it into performance.”
Looking beyond Africa, Desailly also named Portugal as a potential dark horse at the 2026 tournament, suggesting they could follow in the footsteps of Argentina’s emotional triumph in 2022.