The race to complete Group A at FIFA World Cup 2026 intensified on Thursday night as two UEFA playoff semi-finals delivered high drama and a clear path to the final qualifying spot.
Bafana Bafana already know they will face Mexico and South Korea in Group A, but their final opponent will only be decided next week.
Semi-Finals Deliver
In Copenhagen, Denmark delivered a dominant performance, thrashing North Macedonia 4-0.
Meanwhile in Prague, the Czech Republic edged out the Republic of Ireland in a tense encounter. The match ended 2-2 after extra time before the hosts secured a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout.
Denmark and the Czech Republic will now meet in a playoff final on Tuesday, 31 March (21:45 SA time) in Prague.
The winner will secure the final place in Group A at this year’s World Cup.
Implications for South Africa
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos and his squad will be watching closely as they prepare for their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Mexico on 11 June.
Based on current FIFA rankings, Denmark (21st) will enter the final as favourites, while the Czech Republic (43rd) present a competitive, but less daunting challenge on paper.
With the 2026 edition set to feature an expanded 48-team format, the top two teams in each group -along with the eight best third-placed sides – will advance to the Round of 32.
For Bafana Bafana, the outcome of next week’s playoff will complete the final piece of their World Cup puzzle as preparations continue for the global showpiece.
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