By Betha Madhomu
Bafana Bafana have officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their first appearance in 15 years since hosting the tournament in 2010 — and their first qualification on merit in 23 years since the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.
Their 3–0 victory over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday sealed the deal in dramatic fashion.
The goals came courtesy of Orlando Pirates stars Thalente Mbatha, who opened with a thunderous long-range strike, followed by Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa, who rounded off a dominant display.
The win sparked jubilant celebrations among fans, players, and coach Hugo Broos, whose tactical discipline and rebuilding efforts have paid off.
Bafana Celebrations pic.twitter.com/yruE1s89Bp
— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) October 14, 2025
This qualification wasn’t without drama. FIFA’s decision to dock Bafana three points for fielding a suspended Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho last March nearly derailed their campaign. A goalless draw against Zimbabwe compounded the pressure, leaving their fate dependent on Nigeria beating Benin — which the Super Eagles duly did, winning 4–0 to help South Africa through.
ALSO READ | CAF World Cup Qualifiers: Nine teams book tickets as playoff drama awaits
Beyond the celebrations, this qualification represents a turning point for South African football. It validates Broos’s controversial overhaul of the squad, which has favoured young, hungry players over established names. It also injects fresh optimism into a nation long frustrated by underachievement on the global stage.
⚽️ 𝔽𝕀𝔽𝔸 𝕎𝕆ℝ𝕃𝔻 ℂ𝕌ℙ ℚ𝕌𝔸𝕃𝕀𝔽𝕀𝔼ℝ𝕊 ⚽️
🎟️✈️ Bafana Bafana are heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada!
🇿🇦 3⃣➖0⃣ 🇷🇼
🚨 LIVE
📺 SABC 3
🌐 https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/wa9vZ88eEt— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) October 14, 2025
If managed well, this could mark the beginning of a renaissance for Bafana Bafana — a team now showing not just flashes of potential, but the consistency and mental strength required to compete among football’s elite once again.
Take a look at some of the reactions on social media
Most Beautiful video on the internet 🥰😍🌹💐
WE ARE GOING TO THE WORLD CUP
Bafana Bafana SAFA Rands and Nairas Sipho Mbule Giants of Africa pic.twitter.com/FjPcWwYsBU— IG:Joy-Zelda (@joy_zelda) October 14, 2025
Congratulations to Bafana Bafana on securing South Africa’s place in FIFA World Cup 26.
We look forward to our flag flying in Mexico, the United States and Canada among the banners of the world’s most skilled and motivated footballers.
Well done to everyone on the pitch, on the… pic.twitter.com/bYrHwU5Xg8
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) October 14, 2025
And we have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup!!!! Yeeeeeeessssssss!!!! Let that sink in!!!!!
South Africa 🇿🇦 ♥️!!!@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/d3NThOO8tc
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025
CHAMPIONS! Pack your bags, apply for your visas. We are going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I am in tears here. Thank you Bafana Bafana. Thank you Nigeria. Thank you, South Africa. To do this with 3 points deducted is wild. I love us so much. ❤️❤️ 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🏆🏆🏆 #RSARWA pic.twitter.com/LEbILLr2zn
— Rory Petzer (@RoryPetzer) October 14, 2025
This is bigger than football🥺
Themba Zwane healing from injury, travels from Gauteng to Mbombela to support his mates.Bafana players respond by giving him captain’s armband & sing his name.This is unity that builds legends.U can’t teach this kind of luv & respect😭#BafanaBafana pic.twitter.com/ZaGK9YzJsG— 𝒴𝑒𝓁𝓁𝑜ℳ𝒶𝓃𝕏💛👆 (@YELL0MAN) October 14, 2025
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@JustSecuCluster
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
