It finally happened. Bafana Bafana have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 15 years, and for the first time through competition in 23 years.
The last time Mzansi’s heroes appeared on the world stage was in 2010 as hosts. Before that, you’d have to go all the way back to Korea and Japan in 2002 to find the last earned qualification.
Before the defining 3-0 triumph over Rwanda in Mbomebla, the qualification journey started in November 2023.
BAFANA BAFANA’S 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION JOURNEY
18 November 2023 – South Africa 2–1 Benin (Durban)
Bafana opened their qualifying campaign with a hard-fought win at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Percy Tau scored early before Evidence Makgopa added the second. Benin pulled one back late, but Hugo Broos’ men held firm for a confident start at home.
21 November 2023 – Rwanda 2–0 South Africa (Butare)
Four days later, Broos’ team stumbled badly on a poor, waterlogged pitch in Butare. Rwanda took advantage of defensive errors to score twice, handing Mzansi an early wake-up call in Group C.
7 June 2024: Nigeria 1–1 South Africa (Uyo)
A spirited display in Uyo saw Mzansi pick up a valuable away point. Themba Zwane’s first-half strike gave South Africa the lead, before the Super Eagles equalised in the second half through Victor Osimhen.
11 June 2024: South Africa 3–1 Zimbabwe (Bloemfontein)
Back home, Bafana bounced back with a strong attacking performance. Goals from Oswin Appollis, Mihlali Mayambela, and Khuliso Mudau sealed a comfortable win to keep the pressure on Nigeria.
21 March 2025: Lesotho 0-3 South Africa (Bloemfontein)
This ‘away’ game was played at the Totoya Stadium, which was the solution because there was no FIFA-approved venue in Lesotho. Teboho Mokoena and Makgopa inspired a dominant win, but later, it was overturned and awarded to Lesotho after SA fielded Mokoena despite a suspension. A painful administrative error that briefly threatened the dream.
25 March 2025: Benin 0–2 South Africa (Abidjan)
Broos’ side responded in style in West Africa. Tau converted from the spot before Makgopa sealed the result late on. The clean sheet and three points restored belief.
5 September 2025: South Africa 3–0 Lesotho (Bloemfontein)
Bafana crushed Lesotho in the return fixture. Goals from Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Morena, and Khuliso Mudau took the headlines.
9 September 2025: South Africa 1–1 Nigeria (Bloemfontein)
Another big battle between the continent’s giants. Makgopa’s first-half header was cancelled out by a late Nigerian equaliser. Still, the point kept Broos’ men at the top of the group.
10 October 2025: Zimbabwe 0-0 South Africa (Durban)
Without a FIFA-approved stadium in Zimbabwe, the game was taken to Durban. A frustrating night at the Moses Mabhida Stadium as the gold and green side dominated but couldn’t find the net. The draw meant qualification would go down to the final game.
THE FINALE
12 October 2025 – South Africa 3–0 Rwanda (Mbombela)
The perfect finish. Thalente Mbatha’s early rocket set the tone before Oswin Appollis and Makgopa buried The Wasps. The result confirmed Bafana Bafana as Group C winners with 18 points, sealing their first World Cup qualification in 15 years.
For now, South Africa are looking ahead to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco in December.
