Bafana Bafana are close to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup.
Bafana Bafana are on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup.
Here’s what they need to do to officially become one of the 48 teams in the FWC in the USA next year.
BAFANA BAFANA HAVE DESTINY IN THEIR OWN HANDS
Bafana Bafana currently sit top of Group C with 17 points from 8 matches.
Meanwhile, Benin sits on 14 points in second place.
Therefore, South Africa needs just FOUR points from their remaining TWO matches against Zimbabwe (6 October) and Rwanda (13 October 2025).
Meaning, a win and a draw will be enough for Hugo Broos’ charges to book their spot in the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup. As long as they are not deducted points by FIFA.
WORST CASE SCENARIO FOR SA FOLLOWING FIFA INVESTIGATIONS
Mamelodi Sundowns midfield maestro Teboho Mokoena was fielded while under suspension in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, which South Africa won 2–0 against Lesotho on 21 March.
However, he was not meant to play after picking up two successive yellow cards before the match. Meaning, he was meant to miss the match against Lesotho.
So, FIFA have launched an investigation into this.
If found guilty, Bafana could be docked three points, which would see them tied with Benin heading into the final two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. In the worst-case scenario, SA’s 2-0 over Lesotho will be overturned, and they will forfeit the match 3-0.
This would result in South Africa being tied on 14 points with Benin heading into their last two matches.
Meaning, they will have to win both of their remaining matches to book their spot while ensuring they maintain a better goal difference than them. Benin next two matches are against Rwanda on 6 October (at home) before they travel to face Nigeria on 13 October (away).
