South African politics has spilled into global football after Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema called on Bafana Bafana to withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing concerns over a sweeping United States visa suspension that he says unfairly targets African nations.
Malema argued that Africa should not continue to participate in international sporting events as though nothing has changed, especially when policies he believes discriminate against the continent are being enforced by host countries.
Speaking on the issue, he urged the South African Football Association to take a firm stand against the United States.
“South Africa, Bafana Bafana must officially withdraw. SAFA must take a decision to withdraw from having anything to do with the World Cup that is taking place in America,” Malema said.
The outspoken opposition leader went further, calling for a broader boycott of the United States, insisting that global stability and fairness should take precedence over sporting and commercial interests.
“We must boycott the World Cup in America and boycott anything that has got to do with America because we cannot sit back and allow a person to destabilise the world and it becomes business as usual,” he added.
Malema’s remarks follow an announcement by the United States government that immigrant visa processing will be suspended for citizens of 75 countries as part of a new immigration review process.
The pause, which is set to take effect from January 21, will remain in place indefinitely while screening procedures are reassessed.
A State Department memo indicated that consular officials have been instructed to refuse visas under existing legal provisions during this period.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott explained the move, saying, “Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”
Although South Africa is not among the affected countries, the visa suspension includes several African nations that have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde and Algeria are reportedly impacted, raising fears over whether players, officials and fans will face challenges gaining entry to the host nation.
With the tournament set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, Malema’s call has ignited debate across the continent, as questions grow over access, fairness and whether African football should take a political stand on the global stage.