The Presidency has made it clear that it would not require an invitation or permission from the United States to watch Bafana Bafana play in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New York.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya humorously suggested that America might consider delegating the World Cup to South Africa if it intends to block fans from attending.
“I mean, we have the infrastructure. We wouldn’t need any permission. We will just make sure that we have visas so that they don’t chase us away. But yes, we would attend as soccer fans to watch Bafana play. If they have a problem with that, they should give us the World Cup to host. No, no—I’m joking,” said Magwenya, laughing.
His remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries, fueled by a persistent false narrative regarding South Africa’s foreign and human rights policies—claims that the Donald Trump administration has yet to retract, despite Pretoria’s repeated clarifications.
Magwenya’s comments also follow Trump’s recent announcement to exclude South Africa from the 2026 G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana will kick off their FIFA World Cup campaign against Mexico, one of the co-hosts. They are drawn into Group A alongside South Korea and a team to be determined from the UEFA playoffs between Denmark, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Ireland, or North Macedonia.
