South Africa sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 win over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga Province on Tuesday night.
Goals from Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa secured the victory, sending South Africa back to football's biggest stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. Coached by Belgian Hugo Broos, the team topped Group C with 18 points from 10 matches, finishing ahead of continental rivals Nigeria and surprise contender Benin.
This marks South Africa's fourth World Cup appearance, following previous qualifications in 1998 and 2002, in addition to their automatic berth as hosts in 2010.
South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie congratulated the team, saying their qualification had "filled a nation with joy."
He lauded the players for showing "heart, discipline and determination," describing the achievement as "a powerful statement about what is possible when South Africans believe, unite and fight together."
McKenzie also praised coach Broos, his staff and the South African Football Association (SAFA) for "delivering on the biggest of all expectations."