World Cup Icon Siphiwe Tshabalala Predicts His Winner for 2026 Tournament

With the FIFA World Cup now less than 100 days away, excitement is building across the globe. 

Teams have begun unveiling their kits while stepping up preparations through international friendlies, as attention turns to football’s biggest stage.

South Africa heads into the tournament with mixed confidence following their Round of 16 exit at the hands of Cameroon in the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

Despite that disappointment, Bafana Bafana enjoyed an impressive unbeaten run under head coach Hugo Broos prior to the tournament.

South Africa recently showed resilience in a 1-1 World Cup preparation draw with Panama, where Oswin Appollis struck late to rescue a result.

Tough Group Awaits South Africa

Bafana Bafana are set to face Mexico in their opening match, a fixture that echoes the memorable 2010 FIFA World Cup opener on home soil. 

Former captain Siphiwe Tshabalala, who famously scored in that match, believes the current squad has what it takes to progress beyond the group stage.

South Africa will compete in a challenging group featuring co-hosts Mexico and South Korea, with one more opponent yet to be confirmed.

“South Africa has a very tough group, especially being in the same group as the hosts and South Korea,” Tshabalala told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interview. 

“There’s a strong possibility that a European team will also join, which makes it even more difficult. But we do have a chance to progress.”

He also pointed to the advantage of the expanded tournament format. 

“The new format allows three teams from each group to qualify, which gives us a better opportunity.”

Building on Recent Form

Despite the AFCON setback, Tshabalala remains optimistic about the team’s progress and potential.

“They did well in the previous AFCON, finishing third. That showed we can compete at the highest level in Africa, and there’s real quality in the squad,” he said.

“Yes, the recent tournament was disappointing, but there are lessons to take from it.”

Looking ahead, he emphasized the importance of a strong start in the World Cup. 

“The key is to perform well in the group stages and reach the playoffs. Once you’re there, anything can happen. We’ve never reached the knockout stages before, but this could be the time.”

He also encouraged the team to draw inspiration from Morocco’s historic semi-final run at the last World Cup, the best performance by an African nation in the tournament’s history.

Bold World Cup Prediction

Tshabalala didn’t shy away from making a bold prediction for the tournament winner.

“Portugal are the favourites,” he declared. 

“We also can’t ignore France and Spain, and England is always in the conversation, but I’m going with Portugal.”

“It would be great to see one of the African teams among the top contenders as well," he added. 

As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on whether Bafana Bafana can rise to the occasion, and whether Tshabalala’s prediction of a Portuguese triumph will come true.