South Africa end 16-year wait to return to the World Cup

South Africa have completed a remarkable return to the global stage after securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Rwanda on the final day of the African qualifiers.

The win, achieved under the guidance of Belgian coach Hugo Broos, confirmed Bafana Bafana as Group C winners, edging past Benin and Nigeria in one of the most competitive qualifying pools on the continent.

Broos’s men collected 18 points from a possible 30, a testament to their discipline and consistency throughout the campaign.

Their dominance in Johannesburg ignited jubilant celebrations across the country, as fans rejoiced at the end of a 16-year absence from football’s biggest stage.

South Africa’s qualification marks their first World Cup appearance since 2010, when they hosted the tournament and captured the world’s imagination with their vibrant culture and the iconic sound of vuvuzelas.

Before that, the national team had featured in the 1998 and 2002 editions, recording their best-ever finish in 17th place.

This new chapter in South African football is being shaped by a dynamic generation of players, including Lyle Foster and Teboho Mokoena, who have brought renewed confidence and ambition to the side.

Their performances have revived belief that Bafana Bafana can once again compete at the highest level.

The 2026 World Cup, to be jointly staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first expanded edition featuring 48 teams.