Mbombela, South Africa – October 14, 2025

Bafana Bafana celebrated a historic night in Mbombela on Tuesday, earning their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 3-0 triumph over Rwanda. The victory not only secured South Africa’s top position in Group C but also marked the national team’s first World Cup appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010.

A Night of Precision and Flair

The match saw South Africa dominate from the first whistle. Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring with a clinical finish in the 18th minute, followed by Evidence Makgopa, who doubled the advantage with a composed strike just after halftime. Oswin Appolis contributed both a goal and two key assists, orchestrating the team’s attack with composure and creativity.

Coach Hugo Broos praised the team’s discipline and resilience, noting that the players’ ability to remain focused under pressure was crucial.

“The team showed incredible character tonight,” Broos said.
“Every player understood their role, and the result reflects months of hard work and preparation.”

Overcoming Earlier Setbacks

The road to qualification was not without challenges. Earlier in the campaign, South Africa faced a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, midfielder Teboho Mokoena, in previous fixtures. Despite this setback, the squad’s consistent performances, including wins against Nigeria and Benin, allowed them to top the group convincingly.

“We didn’t let the deduction define us,” Broos added.
“The focus has always been on what happens on the pitch, and the players delivered.”

Looking Ahead to the World Stage

With this victory, South Africa joins an elite roster of African teams heading to the 2026 World Cup, including Egypt, Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Cape Verde. The tournament, set to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will see the group stage draw held on December 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Bafana Bafana’s fans are now eagerly anticipating the next chapter of international competition, with hopes high that the team’s attacking style and tactical discipline can make a mark on the world stage.