South Africa qualify for 2026 World Cup after 16-year absence

South Africa have sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their return to football’s biggest stage after a 16-year absence.

The Bafana Bafana, coached by Hugo Broos, booked their place with a convincing 3-0 victory over Rwanda on the final day of the African qualifiers on Tuesday.

The result saw South Africa finish top of their group with 18 points from 10 matches, edging out Benin and Nigeria in one of the tightest qualification races on the continent. The victory sparked widespread celebrations across Johannesburg and other major cities, as fans rejoiced at the team’s return to the global stage.

This qualification ends South Africa’s long wait since their last World Cup appearance in 2010, when they hosted the tournament. They also featured in France 1998 and Korea-Japan 2002, with their best performance being a 17th-place finish.

Coach Hugo Broos, who guided Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title, has built a disciplined and cohesive side that combines experience with emerging talent. Players such as Percy Tau, Lyle Foster, and Teboho Mokoena played key roles in the campaign, helping South Africa maintain consistency in a competitive qualifying group.

Their qualification comes at a time when African football is enjoying unprecedented representation. The 2026 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format of 48 teams, giving Africa nine direct slots.

For South Africa, the focus now shifts to preparation and ambition. The team’s immediate target will be to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history and make a strong impression at the tournament.