After years of heartbreak and near misses, Bafana Bafana are making a serious statement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, tightening their grip on Group C with a 2-0 victory over Benin.

The win, secured by second-half goals from Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams, sees South Africa open up a commanding five-point lead at the top of the table. With just a few matches left to play, the dream of returning to the World Cup stage is becoming more real with every passing game.

Dominating Group C: Bafana in Control

South Africa’s campaign so far has been a masterclass in consistency. Under the guidance of Hugo Broos, they have put together an impressive run of results, winning crucial games both at home and away. The victory over Benin was yet another professional and disciplined performance, showcasing the team’s ability to control matches and strike when it matters most.

Foster’s opening goal in the 53rd minute was a product of Bafana’s patience, as he finished off a well-worked move to break the deadlock. Then, in the 84th minute, Jayden Adams put the result beyond doubt, calmly slotting home after a swift counterattack.

With 13 points from six matches, South Africa now find themselves in pole position, comfortably ahead of their nearest challengers Benin (8 points), Rwanda (8 points), and Lesotho (8 points).

A Shift in Mentality

One of the biggest changes under Broos has been Bafana Bafana’s mentality. Gone are the days when they crumbled under pressure in crucial qualifiers. This time around, South Africa are showing a steely resilience and tactical discipline that has been missing in previous campaigns.

After the win against Benin, Broos emphasised the importance of staying focused. “We are in a good position, but we cannot relax. We must keep pushing and ensure we finish the job. The players have been fantastic, and we are getting closer to our goal.”

The Belgian coach, who led Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title, has instilled a winning mindset in the squad. The combination of experienced heads like Ronwen Williams and Percy Tau with exciting young talents like Jayden Adams and Mihlali Mayambela has created a well-balanced and competitive team.

Can South Africa Finally Return to the World Cup?

The last time Bafana Bafana played in a FIFA World Cup was in 2010, when they hosted the tournament. Since then, qualifying has been a struggle, with near misses in 2014, 2018, and 2022. However, this campaign feels different.With a solid defense, a sharp attack, and a coach who understands how to win in African football, South Africa have all the ingredients to secure qualification.

If they maintain their momentum in the remaining matches, they could make history by booking their spot in Canada, Mexico, and the United States in 2026.

The road is still long, but Bafana Bafana are back in the driver’s seat—and this time, they don’t look like letting go.