Bafana Bafana booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after claiming a 3-0 victory over Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.

South Africa got off to the perfect start and took the lead as early as the fifth minute when Thalente Mbatha fired a thunderous strike into the back of the net from outside the box to make it 1-0.

Bafana had a chance to double their lead just before 20 minutes of play, but Teboho Mokoena failed to guide his header home from Oswin Appollis’ corner.

South Africa did eventually take the lead in the 26th minute when Evidence Makgopa set up Appollis, who struck a first-time volley to find the back of the net and double his team’s lead.

Hugo Broos was forced to make a substitution in the 35th minute when Mohau Nkota came on to replace the injured Thapelo Morena.

The game went into the half-time break with South Africa taking a 2-0 lead into the break.

Aubrey Modiba had a chance to extend his side’s lead early in the second half, but he blazed his effort wide of the target.

Fiacre Ntwari came to his side’s rescue in the 67th minute when he produced two saves to deny both Nkota and Mudau in quick succession.

Bafana grabbed their third goal in the 72nd minute when Makgopa headed the ball home after latching on to a corner from Appollis.

Rwanda nearly pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute when Williams was caught off his line with an audacious long-range effort that came off the post.

With minutes left to play, Broos brought on Cupido, Aubaas, and Shabalala to replace Makgopa, Mbule, and Mbatha.

South Africa held on to its lead until the final whistle to secure the win and qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.