FIFA President Gianni Infantino lauds South Africa on World Cup qualification after 16 years hiatus

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated South Africa after Bafana Bafana sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their 3-0 victory over Rwanda in Mbombela on Tuesday evening.

Infantino took to social media to celebrate the achievement, hailing South Africa’s return to the global stage after 15 years.

“Congratulations to South Africa on qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States,” Infantino wrote.

“You are coming back to the global stage for the fourth time after your last appearance on home soil in 2010 and will play in at least three of the 104 matches in North America next year as part of the greatest celebration of our sport that there has ever been.”

The FIFA President emphasized that South Africa’s qualification is not only a sporting triumph but also a symbol of football’s unifying power.

“It will be another example of how football unites the world,” he added, accompanied by football and heart emojis.

South Africa’s qualification marks their fourth appearance at the FIFA World Cup after featuring in 1998, 2002, and 2010, when they made history as the first African nation to host the tournament.

Infantino’s message has been warmly received across Africa, with many fans applauding his recognition of South Africa’s progress under coach Hugo Broos, whose side topped Group C to book their ticket to the 2026 finals.

Bafana Bafana will now turn their attention to preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, as they aim to continue their resurgence on the continental and global stage.

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