South Africa have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Rwanda 3–0 at Mbombela Stadium. The win sends Bafana Bafana top of Group C, securing automatic qualification for the first time since 2002.
Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa scored as Hugo Broos’ side dominated from start to finish. The result means South Africa will join the world’s elite in the tournament to be hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.
And we have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup!!!! Yeeeeeeessssssss!!!! Let that sink in!!!!!
South Africa 🇿🇦 ♥️!!!@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/d3NThOO8tc
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025
Broos made four changes to the team that drew 0–0 with Zimbabwe, bringing in Ndamane, Morena, Mbatha and Makgopa. The changes worked immediately. Mbatha opened the scoring in the fifth minute, blasting past Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari from outside the box.
Appollis doubled the lead midway through the first half, finishing a neat pass from Makgopa with a low left-foot strike. South Africa controlled possession throughout, while Rwanda rarely threatened.
At half-time, Bafana were 2–0 up and cruising, with 69% of the ball and total command of the game. Elsewhere, Nigeria led Benin 2–0, meaning South Africa had to maintain their lead to confirm top spot in the group.
The second half brought more of the same. Broos’ men stayed compact, pressed high, and limited Rwanda to half-chances. Makgopa then sealed the result in the 72nd minute, heading in from a corner to make it 3–0 and spark celebrations in Mbombela.
It’s a landmark moment for South African football. The last time Bafana Bafana featured at a World Cup was in 2010 as hosts. This time, they earned their spot the hard way.
Nigeria’s 4–0 win over Benin wasn’t enough to overtake them, as South Africa finished top of Group C with 18 points.
