The South Africa national football team has officially secured its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dominant 3-0 victory over Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga Province on Tuesday night.
Goals from Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa powered South Africa to a well-deserved win, ensuring their long-awaited return to world football’s grandest tournament for the first time since hosting it in 2010. Under the guidance of Belgian coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana finished at the top of Group C with 18 points from 10 matches, surpassing continental rivals Nigeria and surprise package Benin.
This qualification marks South Africa’s fourth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, following earlier participations in 1998, 2002, and their automatic entry as hosts in 2010. The achievement has reignited national pride and optimism among football fans across the country.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, extended heartfelt congratulations to the players, praising their unity and resilience. “This qualification has filled the entire nation with joy,” McKenzie said, adding that the team had shown “heart, discipline, and determination,” proving what can be achieved when South Africans believe and work together.
He also commended coach Hugo Broos, his technical staff, and the South African Football Association (SAFA) for “delivering on the biggest of expectations,” and reaffirmed the government’s support for Bafana Bafana as they prepare for the global stage in 2026.