It was only seven months ago that Lionel Messi was lifting the World Cup and crowning himself as arguably the greatest footballer ever, but the glory of Qatar and Argentina's triumph has been quickly cast into the history books.
That is because the cycle of football is always moving and the focus is now very firmly on the next World Cup in North America.
It will be another chance for South Africa to enjoy a much-needed fillip...if the country can qualify for the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the US.
Bafana Bafana's chances are almost 100% improved, because the African continent will now have nine places at the expanded 48-nation tournament in North America, up from the five previously allotted.
There has been much consternation at another expansion of the World Cup format, but it does offer better odds of qualification and that is why only journalists and supporters were up in arms, raging against another change to tradition. For the football associations, however, a better opportunity to share in the World Cup riches was something to be embraced.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2023 من Soccer Club.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
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هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2023 من Soccer Club.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
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