The Bafana Bafana of South Africa have officially qualified to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after delivering a big win over Rwanda in its final qualifier with a little help from Nigeria.
South Africa needed a win over Rwanda and also needed Nigeria to beat Benin to top the Group C and pick up the sole automatic qualification to next year’s World Cup.
This is South Africa’s first qualification to the World Cup since the country hosted the 2010 World Cup and exited in the first round.
South Africa beat Rwanda 3-0 to finish on top of Group C with 18 points in a drama filled campaign that had Hugo Broos’ side deducted three points by FIFA for fielding an unqualified player.
Two goals in the first half set South Africa on their way before Evidence Makgopa’s goal in the 72nd minute effectively sealed the win.
🇿🇦 South Africa have qualified for #FIFAWorldCup 26!#WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/j6k9fbvKk9
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 14, 2025
On the other hand, Nigeria finished second in the group with 17 points after scoring a 4-0 win over Benin; Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick in the win.
Bafana Bafana are worldwide. 🌍
South Africa are our 7th representatives at the 2026 #FIFAWorldCup 🇿🇦✅ pic.twitter.com/HPeQUW2ouQ
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 14, 2025
It was a disappointing result for the Cheetahs of Benin as they needed a draw or a win to qualify to the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
Nigeria has qualified to compete in the mini tournament for second best placed teams.
