FIFA boss 'can't wait' to see Bafana Bafana at 2026 global showpiece

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has joined the chorus of praise, celebrating South Africa’s return to football’s biggest stage, saying: “We can’t wait to see you at the tournament.”

“Congratulations, Bafana Bafana…You are coming back to the global stage again at the FIFA World Cup for the fourth time after the last appearance on home soil in 2010. You will play in at least three of the 104 matches in North America next year.

“As part of the greatest celebration of our sport that there has ever been, it will be another example of how football unites the world.”

Bafana Bafana secured their long-awaited return to the global stage after a commanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night — a result that sealed top spot in Group C and ended a 16-year wait for a World Cup appearance.

President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed the players, technical team, and administrators for delivering a moment of national pride, describing it as a symbol of South Africa’s resilience and unity.

“Congratulations to Bafana Bafana on securing South Africa’s place in FIFA World Cup 26,” he said.

“We look forward to our flag flying in Mexico, the United States and Canada among the banners of the world’s most skilled and motivated footballers.

“Well done to everyone on the pitch, on the bench and in the boardrooms who made this qualification a moment of pride.”

It will be Bafana’s fourth appearance at a World Cup finals — and their first since hosting the tournament in 2010 — a milestone that Ramaphosa said represented the country’s growth both on and off the field.

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie hailed coach Hugo Broos and the national team for restoring credibility to the once-maligned Bafana brand.

“Before the coach came to South Africa, we were a joke, people would make jokes about Bafana, they became a laughing stock,” McKenzie said.

“That’s why I told people to leave this man, let him choose his people. I have a favourite team and he doesn’t pick their players, but it’s not about that — it’s about his plan, so let’s continue to get behind the team.”

With the qualification secured, focus will now turn to preparations for the 2026 tournament.