TKZee’s Shibobo is ringing out across the country, as Bafana Bafana secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after more than two decades.
They beat Rwanda 3-0 at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night, to qualify for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.
Makgopa!!!! He makes no mistake!!
Visuals Courtesy of @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/xsOp3Evql3
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025
This victory, combined with Nigeria’s 4-0 triumph over Benin, secured Bafana Bafana’s return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 2002.
History made!
Bafana Bafana are heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup! The dream lives on — South Africa, we’re going global!🌍
#BafanaBafana #TeamSA #WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/a6Zeb9NKor
— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) October 15, 2025
Bafana earned an automatic qualification as hosts in 2010, when Siphiwe Tshabalala was praised for his goal against Mexico.
More #FIFAWorldCup moments for South Africa 🇿🇦#WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/tvkcXP6rHZ
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 14, 2025
The team’s qualification sparked celebrations across the country.
President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed the achievement, saying the country is looking forward to flying the South African flag high overseas “among the banners of the world’s most skilled and motivated footballers”.
He was also on a call with Sport, Art and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, to celebrate.
We are going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup!
Well done to the entire @BafanaBafana team. As always, South Africa will be right behind you, supporting you all the way. pic.twitter.com/ksD0bsnpXL
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) October 14, 2025
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde also praised Bafana for their accomplishment.
Congratulations, Bafana Bafana! 🇿🇦 🔥
You’ve made South Africa proud – it’s our time to shine on the world stage!#FIFAWCQ2026 https://t.co/WGCn8B9V8O— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) October 14, 2025
Meanwhile, corporate giants like Woolworths joined in the jubilation.
Congratulations to Bafana Bafana, who’ve booked their place in next year’s WORLD CUP! 🇿🇦
What a proud moment for our country ❤️
— Woolworths SA (@WOOLWORTHS_SA) October 14, 2025
Bafana Bafana jou lekker ding 😍
2026 World Cup here we come!#BafanaPride #YouBelongOnSABC2 pic.twitter.com/3b2gHVC8NO
— SABC_2 (@SABC_2) October 14, 2025
What a night! ✈️🇿🇦 Our crew was right there on the pitch to witness Bafana Bafana’s incredible victory.
Congratulations to the team for flying the South African flag high, a proud moment for the nation!#BafanaBafana #SouthAfrica #FifaWorldCup2026 #SouthAfricanAirways… pic.twitter.com/1zrfxnSXga
— SAA – South African Airways (@flysaa) October 14, 2025
But nothing beat the jollication of the winning team and the coach, Hugo Broos.
It’s a celebration in Mbombela!!!! Siyaya!!!! South Africa 🇿🇦 ❤️ @flysaa @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/g5fQjsSG5g
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025
Hugo Broos stood on business and delivered on his promise 👏👏👏#SSFootball | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/9VEQ5Bo9f1
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 15, 2025
South Africa now joins Ivory Coast and Senegal as Africa’s confirmed representatives in the 2026 tournament.
