South Africa seal qualification for 2026 FIFA World Cup

South Africa booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda on Tuesday night, October 14, 2025, in Nelspruit, ending a 16-year wait to return to football’s biggest stage.

Goals from Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa ensured a dominant performance for Hugo Broos’ side, who finished top of Group C ahead of Nigeria and Benin.

The result also marks South Africa’s first World Cup qualification since hosting the tournament in 2010.

Bafana Bafana started brightly and were rewarded just five minutes in when Mbatha fired home the opener after a flowing team move.

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The hosts continued to dictate play, and in the 21st minute, Appollis doubled the lead with a composed finish following a defensive mix-up in the Rwandan backline.

Rwanda struggled to respond as South Africa maintained their tempo, keeping the visitors pinned deep in their own half. The win was sealed in the 72nd minute when Makgopa rose highest to head in from a corner, sending the Mbombela Stadium into wild celebration.

The victory capped a remarkable turnaround for South Africa, who overcame a three-point deduction earlier in the qualifying campaign for fielding an ineligible player.

Despite the setback, they held their nerve and finished on 18 points, one ahead of Nigeria and Benin, who both ended on 17.

Ironically, Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Benin in Uyo proved decisive in confirming Bafana Bafana’s place at next year’s finals, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The qualification ends years of near-misses and disappointment, as Broos’ men restore South Africa’s place among the continent’s elite, and mark the beginning of a new chapter for Bafana Bafana.

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Meanwhile, watch highlights of Ghana’s 1-0 win over Comoros in the World Cup qualifiers