African fans split on South Africa support amid xenophobic violence

by Ntandoyenkosi Ncube

JOHANNESBURG, June 15– As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, African football fans find themselves deeply divided over whether to support South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana.

For many, the joy of continental solidarity has been overshadowed by recurring xenophobic violence and the mistreatment of African migrants within South Africa’s borders.

Historically, African nations have rallied strongly behind any team from the continent that qualifies for the World Cup, echoing the widespread support Ghana received in 2010 or Morocco in 2022.

However, for South Africa, repeated anti-foreigner attacks linked to domestic economic frustrations have severely eroded that pan-African goodwill.