Bafana Bafana have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their comprehensive 3-0 win over Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Hugo Broos‘ men came into the match needing a win and hoping that results elsewhere would go their way. Just a few minutes after kick-off, Nigeria took the lead at home against Benin, which is what South Africa would have wanted. A win against Rwanda and Benin losing to the Super Eagles was all Bafana needed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Just after Nigeria scored, Bafana found the opener through Thalente Mbatha. The Orlando Pirates midfielder unleashed a long-range shot to beat Rwandan keeper Fiacre Ntwari.
Nigeria help Bafana qualify for World Cup
South Africa continued to boss possession as they searched for the second goal. That goal eventually came in the 25th minute when Oswin Appollis volleyed home past Ntwari to give Bafana the breathing space.
On the other side, Victor Osimhen made it 2-0 for Nigeria just before half-time to almost take Benin out of the equation.
In the second half, Bafana pushed for a third, but poor finishing let them down. With 18 minutes remaining, Evidence Makgopa sealed World Cup qualification for Broos’ men.
South Africa topped Group C with 18 points after overcoming a stubborn Rwandan side. Bafana winning 3-0 sees them qualify for the World Cup, with Nigeria finishing second in the group.
This is the first time South Africa will be competing in the FIFA World Cup since 2010.