All eyes will be on the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night at 18:00, as Bafana Bafana host Rwanda in a must-win FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier.
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The clash marks South Africa’s final group-stage encounter, with Hugo Broos’s side sitting second in their qualifying group, two points behind leaders Benin.
A win over Rwanda, coupled with a Nigeria victory over Benin, will guarantee South Africa’s World Cup spot.
A victory for Bafana Bafana and a draw for Benin could still be enough for South Africa, depending on the margin of victory, as explained HERE.
Redemption after Zimbabwe draw
The pressure is on following a frustrating 0-0 stalemate with Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium last Friday.
Bafana Bafana dominated possession but failed to convert, leaving the team with no room for error heading into their final qualifier.
However, head coach Hugo Broos believes his team has mentally recovered and is ready for battle.
“We are back mentally and that is very important. The spark is back, the belief is there again,” Broos told reporters.
“After the uppercut we got on Friday, everyone has turned the button and is focused on the next job.”
Broos praised the team’s resilience and expressed confidence in their ability to get the result.
Captain Williams: ‘We still believe’
Captain Ronwen Williams echoed his coach’s sentiments, revealing that the squad has put Friday’s disappointment behind them.
“We were devastated, but we had 24 hours to clean that feeling out of our system,” said the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper.
“We still believe in this team. We’ve made huge strides over the past few years, and we know there’s still everything to play for.”
Williams added that the energy in training has been sharp and focused, with the squad determined to give everything on the pitch.
“We know we have to dig deep and leave it all on the field.”
Rwanda to rotate squad
Rwanda, already eliminated from contention, are expected to field a rotated side, with coach Adel Amrouche opting to give game time to fringe players.
“We want to give other players time to play because this is a good game for them against a very good team,” said Amrouche.
Despite being out of the qualification race, Rwanda will be eager to play spoiler – and South Africa will need to guard against complacency.
Bafana Bafana last qualified for a World Cup in 2002 in Japan and South Korea and last played at a World Cup in 2010 when South Africa hosted that year’s tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 will held in the United States, Canada and Mexico between 11 June and 19 July and will comprise 48 countries in the biggest tournament to date.
Matches are scheduled to take place in 16 host cities.
Will Bafana Bafana fans be celebrating qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2026 come the final whistle in Mbombela on Tuesday evening?
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