Matthew Booth backs Bafana to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Although Bafana participated in the 2010 World Cup as the host nation, securing a place in the global tournament has proven challenging in subsequent years.

Their journey in the 2026 qualifying campaign kicked off on a positive note with a 2-1 triumph over Benin in Durban during the opening Group C match.

However, they faced a setback in the second game, suffering a 2-0 defeat against Rwanda in Kigali.

At the conclusion of the campaign, nine teams will emerge.

However, Booth emphasizes that the expansion of the roster from five to nine does not ensure Bafana’s securing a ticket to the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

"Yeah, it's a bit disheartening because in 2002 I was still playing and I was involved in that campaign as well. So, it's a great concern. Don't be fooled by the extension because in those nine groups you have to win, you have to come top," Booth said.

"You don't wanna go into the playoffs for the second-best teams because you just make your life difficult for yourself. So, in our group we've got Nigeria and Zimbabwe. We've gotta beat both of them at least at home, those are gonna be our crucial games."

As it stands, Rwanda leads the group with four points, closely followed by Bafana on three, Nigeria, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, all tied with two points.

Lesotho occupied the bottom with one point.