South Africa have booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 3–0 victory over Rwanda on Tuesday night at the Mbombela Stadium.
The result sealed Bafana Bafana’s return to the global stage for the first time since 2010, marking their fourth World Cup appearance overall.
Hugo Broos’ men wasted no time asserting control. Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring early in the first half, before Oswin Appollis doubled the lead just before the break to send the home crowd into raptures.
Teboho Mokoena capped off a dominant performance with a well-taken strike in the second half, putting the result beyond doubt and confirming Bafana Bafana’s ticket to North America.
The victory crowned a strong qualifying campaign for South Africa, who finished top of Group C with 18 points.
Elsewhere in the group, Nigeria thrashed Benin 4–0 to clinch a spot in the 2026 World Cup play-offs — keeping their hopes of qualification alive.
