Bafana Bafana watch closely as Denmark, Czechs kickstart Fifa World Cup play-offs

Bafana Bafana will keenly observe the outcomes of the Uefa on Thursday night this week, particularly as Denmark faces North Macedonia and the Czech Republic meets the Republic of Ireland.

The 2026 Fifa World Cup stakes are high, with 22 teams competing for only six spots in the expanded 48-team tournament scheduled for North America. This play-off round significantly affects South Africa’s journey, as one of these qualifying nations will complete Group A alongside Mexico and South Korea.

In the first semi-final, Denmark — the world’s highest-ranked team in the play-offs — are expected to dominate against North Macedonia. However, the Danes face an awkward challenge, as North Macedonia has proven time and again that it is more than capable of delivering surprises on the international stage.

Meanwhile, the Czech Republic will look to maintain their status as favourites when they welcome the Republic of Ireland to Prague. This compelling matchup promises drama and tension as two teams with rich football histories clash, each seeking to secure a place in the world’s premier football tournament.

The play-off victors will have the opportunity to compete again next Tuesday, with the decisive match set to take place either in Dublin or Prague.

The anticipation for these encounters reverberates not only across Europe but also among South African football fans, who are eager to see which of these contenders will join them in Group A.

While the Czech Republic holds the cards in terms of odds, with recent performances indicating a strong potential to succeed, Denmark’s world ranking and seasoned players offer them an undeniable edge.

The outcome of these matches is more than just a win or a loss for the respective nations; it shapes the narrative of who will join South Africa on this global stage, framing a tale of aspiration, competition and national pride.

Only time will tell which teams will emerge victorious on this pivotal day in European football. Still, for South Africa, the anticipation for the final team in Group A adds an intriguing layer to their World Cup preparations.