Bafana Bafana have qualified for the FIFA World Cup following their convincing 3-0 win over Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Hugo Broos‘ men came into the match needing a win and hoping that results elsewhere would go their way. Just a few minutes after kick-off, Nigeria took the lead at home against Benin, which is what South Africa would have wanted.
A win against Rwanda and Benin losing to the Super Eagles was all Bafana needed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria did demolish the Leopards 4-0, which made the job easier for South Africa as they comfortably managed to see off Rwanda.
Who can Bafana play at the World Cup?
Given their low rankings, Hugo Broos’ men could be placed in a tough group. With the likes of Argentina, Spain, France and England amongst the top 10 ranked teams, expect at least one of them to be in Bafana’s group.
A favourable draw could see Bafana in a group with USA, Denmark and Jordan. With hosts Mexico and Canada seeded, South Africa could face them, but the worst-case scenario could see them drawn against Argentina, South Korea and Belgium or even Italy.
When is the FIFA World Cup draw?
The World Cup, which is to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, will take place from 11 June to 19 July 2026. The draw will take place at 5pm GMT/12pm EST on 5 December, at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
This will be the fourth time that Bafana Bafana will take part in a FIFA World Cup. In the three editions, South Africa bowed out in the group stages having only ever won two matches at the global showpiece.