AI predicts Relebohile Mofokeng will be the breakout star of the 2026 Fifa World Cup, highlighting his potential as a global superstar with his impressive performances for Orlando Pirates and creative playing style. Picture: PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP
Image: Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP
Although he did not make his Fifa World Cup debut against Mexico, Relebohile Mofokeng is still being tipped as one of the breakout stars of the tournament — at least according to AI.
Mofokeng has been named the biggest emerging talent at the 2026 World Cup in a study by AI humanising tool GoHumanize, which set out to identify the player most likely to become a global superstar with a breakthrough tournament.
The AI had access to advanced performance data on players from around the world and was tasked with isolating the under-the-radar talents most likely to make a major impact at the World Cup.
Having made his Bafana Bafana debut as a teenager two years ago, Mofokeng, now 21, has an incredibly bright future ahead of him. With more than 100 appearances already for Orlando Pirates, it seems only a matter of time before he earns a move abroad.
ESPN journalist Ed Dove wrote glowingly about the young star’s potential:
“A darling of Orlando Pirates after making his senior debut in 2023, Mofokeng is something of a throwback to the kind of tricky, inventive, creative players that South Africa used to produce and export to Europe.
“Don’t be surprised if he follows this path one day, with the 21-year-old underpinning his natural talent with an impressive work rate, use of the ball and intelligence.”
Of course, the first thing that needs to happen is for Bafana coach Hugo Broos to give him an opportunity at the Fifa World Cup.
Mofokeng remained an unused substitute in the opening defeat to Mexico, a decision that left many South African fans scratching their heads.
With two group-stage matches still to come, Broos still has time to unleash one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents on the biggest stage of all.
If he does, AI may yet prove to be onto something.