South Africa qualified for the 2026 World Cup after beating Rwanda 3-0 to top Group C ahead of Nigeria.
South Africa booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over Rwanda in Mbombela on Tuesday. Thalente Mbatha and Oswin Appollis struck in the first half before Evidence Makgopa sealed the win midway through the second period.
The result ensured Hugo Broos’ men finished top of Group C with 18 points, one ahead of Nigeria, who defeated Benin 4-0 in Uyo thanks to Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick. Nigeria, however, could still qualify via the African runners-up play-offs in Morocco next month.
Ecstatic coach Broos said, “We all knew that we could do it, we believed in ourselves. We are going to the World Cup and it is fantastic.” Appollis, named player of the match, added, “What an amazing feeling for the group going to the World Cup.”
It marks South Africa’s fourth World Cup appearance after qualifying in 1998 and 2002, and hosting the 2010 edition.