EXPLAINED: How soon can Bafana Bafana qualify for World Cup?

With Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Rwanda still to come, Bafana should qualify for the 2026 World Cup by at least 20 points.

Bafana to qualify for World Cup Image:@BafanaBafana/X

Bafana Bafana have put themselves in a good position to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 2-0 win over Benin on Tuesday.

Having defeated Lesotho by the same scoreline last Friday, South Africa went into Ivory Coast knowing a win would get them closer to qualification. Before the match, there was confusion whether Bafana would be docked points or not. The team fielded Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho, although the midfielder was supposed to be suspended for that game, having accumulated two yellow cards in the qualifiers.

Bafana to qualify for FIFA World Cup since 2002?

Lesotho and Nigeria, both in Bafana Bafana’s group, are believed to have complained to FIFA and CAF. The matter has yet to be resolved, but if South Africa is docked three points, it will still lead the group. FIFA rules for the 2026 World Cup preliminary stage stated that a player who receives a second yellow card in the qualifying should miss the next qualification match.

According to various reports, Bafana might not lose points as Lesotho only made a formal complaint after 24 hours.

How can South Africa qualify for next year’s showpiece?

Bafana Bafana can qualify for the 2026 World Cup by beating Lesotho and Nigeria in September. If Rwanda and Benin fail to win any of their September matches, then Hugo Broos’ men will qualify, given they win their matches that month.

Depending on results elsewhere, a win over Lesothi and a draw with Nigeria might be enough. With Zimbabwe and Rwanda still to come, Bafana should qualify for the 2026 World Cup by at least 20 points.