Bafana Bafana Qualify for the World Cup

South Africans all around the world cheered last night when South Africa qualified for the 2026 FIFA soccer World Cup.

In their final qualifying match, Bafana beat Rwanda 3-0 at the Mbombela Stadium, Mpumalanga, securing them the top spot in CAF Group C.

Goals from Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa sealed the win. The achievement comes despite a controversial three-point deduction earlier in the campaign — South Africa were penalized for fielding a suspended player in a match vs Lesotho, which was reversed by FIFA.

This marks South Africa’s first direct qualification since 2002 and their return to football’s biggest stage since hosting the tournament in 2010.

Nigeria finished as runners up, meaning that they qualify to play in the second round to compete for a place in the inter-confederation play-offs.

Trailing behind Nigeria are Benin, Lesotho, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe at the bottom of the table, having won no matches.

Image Credit: Source