The Return of the Bafana Bafana 🇿🇦

South Africa are back among football’s elite. The team coached by Hugo Broos sealed their qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a 3-0 win over Rwanda on the final matchday of the African qualifiers — a result that allowed them to edge out Benin and Nigeria in one of the tightest groups on the continent.

With 18 points out of a possible 30, the Bafana Bafana proved their consistency and discipline in a qualifying zone where every result mattered. The victory sparked scenes of joy in Johannesburg, where thousands of fans celebrated the end of a long and painful wait.

Sixteen Years Since Their Last World Cup Dream

This qualification ends a 16-year drought without a World Cup appearance. The last time South Africa participated was in 2010, when they hosted the tournament and filled the world with vuvuzelas, color, and emotion. Before that, they appeared in France 1998 and Korea-Japan 2002, achieving their best-ever finish in 17th place.

Now, a new generation led by Percy Tau, Lyle Foster, and Teboho Mokoena will aim to restore the identity and competitiveness of a national team eager to reclaim its place among the top.

A New Challenge in the Land of Opportunity 🌎

The 2026 World Cup, to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will mark the tournament’s historic expansion to 48 teams — and South Africa will be part of Africa’s largest-ever contingent.

Their mission is clear: to reach the Round of 16 for the first time in their history and prove that South African football is on the rise once again. With a dynamic style and a core of young talent, the Bafana Bafana want the world to hear their battle cry once more: “Shosholoza!” 🎶