Bafana Bafana qualify for the World Cup

Bafana Bafana have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 3–0 win over Rwanda in Mbombela.

Goals from Thalenta Mbatha (5’), Oswin Appollis (26’), and Evidence Makgopa (72’) sealed the result, as South Africa dominated with 64% possession, 12 shots, and 90% passing accuracy.

The win lifted Hugo Broos’ men to the top of their qualifying group after Benin, who entered the final matchday two points ahead, lost 4–0 to Nigeria.

It marks a dramatic turnaround after a turbulent campaign.

Following an intense 1–1 draw against the Super Eagles in Bloemfontein at the beginning of September, Bafana Bafana looked set to qualify comfortably in first place with 17 points, with Benin in second on 14.

In September, Bafana were sanctioned by FIFA for fielding a suspended player against Lesotho, a ruling that cost them three points and a 3–0 forfeit defeat.

The setback saw South Africa slip behind Benin on goal difference, meaning they needed two consecutive wins to keep qualification hopes alive.

Things got off to a bad start when South Africa failed to score against bottom-placed Zimbabwe in their second-last game, despite having 70% possession and registering 24 shots, only three of which were on target.

South Africa entered the tenth and final match of their qualifying campaign with 15 points, behind log leaders Benin, who had 17.

However, Bafana Bafana still had hope, as their final match was against second-last-placed Rwanda, while Benin faced a formidable Nigeria side, currently ranked among the top three teams on the continent.

In the end, fortune favored Broos’ side. Benin’s collapse against Nigeria opened the door, and Bafana stepped through it in emphatic style: returning to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 2010.

South Africa has made three FIFA World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002, and 2010, reaching the group stage each time.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June to July 2026. It will be the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams competing across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.