In the EFF’s first 2026 podcast, leader Julius Malema called on SAFA and Bafana Bafana to withdraw from the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, citing strained relations with Trump’s administration over issues like South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel, the Lady R ship incident, and AGOA threats.
South Africa earned their spot by topping CAF Group C in October 2025, their first since 2010. While some supporters see it as resistance to imperialism, critics call it reckless, arguing sports should remain apolitical and mocking the idea’s impact; SAFA has stayed silent amid FIFA’s rules against interference.