South Africa FIFA World Cup qualifying advantage real, says Benin coach.pdf

FIFA World Cup followers worldwide can secure their South Africa FIFA World Cup Tickets through our online platform, gettickets365. With a user-friendly interface and exclusive deals, fans can effortlessly book FIFA 2026 Tickets for thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, all at discounted prices. Don't miss the chance to witness the world's greatest Football World Cup 2026 event live.

1. South Africa FIFA World Cup qualifying advantage is real, says Benin coach
Benin coach Gernot Rohr has reopened the debate on South Africa's qualification to the FIFA World Cup
2026 after insinuating that Bafana Bafana enjoyed an irregular home advantage throughout their qualifying
campaign. The South Africans, who lost three points owing to a FIFA sanction for fielding an ineligible player,
still topped Group C to confirm their long-awaited return to the global stage.
The countdown to the South Africa FIFA World Cup is on, and there’s no better way to feel the energy,
pride, and excitement of global football than witnessing it live! Grab your FIFA World Cup tickets today
from gettickets365. Your reliable source for official and 100% guaranteed match tickets. From electrifying
group stage battles to the grand finale, turn your football dreams into reality and celebrate the world’s
most beautiful game with fans from every corner of the globe.

Rohr acknowledged their improvement but wasn't delighted with the balance of scheduling and venue
distribution, which he thought was hugely prejudicial. The controversy of FIFA's five-group classification
started when they deducted points from South Africa for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was
suspended during a qualifier against Lesotho. That 2-0 win was turned into a 3-0 defeat following FIFA's
ruling and greatly altered the group standings with two final matches remaining.
South Africa’s path sparks debate over home edge in FIFA World Cup race
Bafana Bafana dropped from 17 to 14 points, momentarily drawing level with Benin. But the men of coach
Hugo Broos re-energized themselves and proved resilient to wrap up the campaign in style and seal their
place at the FIFA 2026 World Cup following years of disappointment. Rohr noted that South Africans had
played seven out of their ten qualifying matches at home due to a situation where many African countries
could not provide good enough facilities to stage matches.

2. He said this handed Bafana Bafana an advantage, unintentional but huge, over their rivals. The Benin boss
said his team fought hard and showed determination, but faced logistical challenges that tilted the
competition’s balance. According to him, true equality in qualifying would have meant more away fixtures
for all sides-something not achieved in this Football World Cup cycle.

Despite Rohr's misgivings, performances on the pitch cannot be overlooked for South Africa. The convincing
3-0 win over Rwanda in the final round showed both tactical discipline and flair. Combining composure and
creativity, with the experience of Percy Tau and Themba Zwane, Bafana Bafana outclassed their opponents
to take the win.
Benin boss questions fairness ahead of Football World Cup 2026 push
The victory sealed qualification for the Football World Cup 2026 and was their first since 2002. The team
and its followers saw this as not only closure but vindication after years of almost qualifying and other
administrative mishaps. Rohr, however, remained firm in his argument that this unequal distribution of
home matches led to the eroding of competitive equity. He insisted that while the letter of the law by FIFA
had been followed, fairness concerning home match venues was lacking.
His comments thus reignited broader discussions about the format of Africa's qualification for the World
Cup, where infrastructural limitations generally see teams playing at neutral venues. For smaller nations
like Benin, that means scant opportunity to capitalize on home support in qualification.

3. While South Africa's qualification has been celebrated domestically as a big milestone, the team under
Hugo Broos has rediscovered identity and belief, built on strong tactical structures and defensive solidity.
With Broos at the helm, there is newfound optimism among supporters that this momentum will see them
perform in North America at the Soccer World Cup.
Bafana Bafana rebuild identity, aiming deep Soccer World Cup run
His emphasis on the integration of youth and consistency has been central to Bafana Bafana’s turnaround,
making them one of Africa’s emerging forces once again. The impact of Nigeria’s performance in the final
round cannot be overlooked. The Super Eagles’ 4-0 demolition of Benin indirectly helped South Africa climb
to the top of Group C.
Rohr recognized the contribution of Nigeria, but rued how cruel football could be as one result changed
fortunes for another team. He, however, hailed the efficiency of South Africa, adding that they utilized their
opportunities and deserved a ticket into the World Cup 2026. This qualification is more than a sporting
success for South African football; it is a symbolic restoration of national pride.

4. The last time Bafana Bafana featured in a global tournament was in 2010, as hosts, and their absence since
then has been a painful reminder of unfulfilled potential. This new generation, though, is starting to write
its own history. Their road towards the FIFA World Cup 2026 is all about on-field excellence mixed with
improved management and preparation off the pitch.
Rohr’s critique fuels wider Africa World Cup equality conversation
Rohr's comments were critical but showed how competitive African football is getting. The smaller nations
like Benin keep on giving the giant killers a run for their money, which means the level of quality isn't that
far apart, while the resources and infrastructure are not equally distributed. FIFA is still developing
infrastructure across Africa, and this kind of argument will continue with every qualifying cycle for the
Football World Cup 2026.
The countdown to North America 2026 has started, and South Africa is one of the proud representatives
of the continent. Resilience through adversity, an ability to rebound from setbacks, whether administrative
or otherwise, speaks volumes about their maturity as a footballing nation. Rohr's critique adds spice to the
narrative, but there is no denying that Bafana Bafana have earned their place among the elite.
Feel the excitement of the world’s greatest football tournament with official FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets
from gettickets365. Whether you’re supporting your favorite team during the group matches or planning
to witness the epic grand final, gettickets365 provides 100% secure and verified tickets with worldwide
delivery. Reserve your seats now to be part of the unforgettable moments and experience the magic of
football’s most iconic event live.
FAQs

5. Why did Benin’s coach question South Africa’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup
2026?
Benin coach Gernot Rohr claimed that South Africa enjoyed an irregular advantage during the FIFA World
Cup 2026 qualifiers because they played more matches at home. He argued that this unbalanced scheduling
gave Bafana Bafana a major edge over other teams like Benin.
How did South Africa secure their return to the Football World Cup after two
decades?
South Africa qualified for the Football World Cup for the first time since 2002 after a strong campaign led
by coach Hugo Broos. Despite losing three points due to a FIFA sanction, the team rebounded with big wins,
including a decisive 3-0 victory over Rwanda, to top their group.
What role did infrastructure issues play in the FIFA 2026 qualifiers for African teams?
Many African nations lack FIFA-approved stadiums, forcing them to play at neutral venues. According to
Rohr, this meant South Africa could host most of their matches at home, gaining a significant logistical and
psychological advantage during the FIFA 2026 qualifying campaign.
How is South Africa preparing for success at the upcoming Soccer World Cup?
Under coach Hugo Broos, South Africa is rebuilding its squad with a mix of experienced players and young
talent. Their focus on tactical discipline, team unity, and solid defense has reignited national pride and
raised hopes of a strong performance in the Soccer World Cup.
What broader lessons does this FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification debate reveal for
African football?
Rohr’s criticism has reignited discussion about fairness and equality in African football. The debate
highlights the need for improved infrastructure and more balanced qualification systems as teams prepare
for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and future tournaments.