South Africa FIFA World Cup Tickets: South Africa enjoyed a major advantage during their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, according to Benin coach Gernot Rohr. Despite being penalized three points for fielding an ineligible player, Bafana Bafana still managed to secure their place in the next World Cup.

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Rohr believes that their qualification success was influenced by the number of matches they played at home, giving them a clear upper hand in the group. The controversy began when South Africa fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a qualifier against Lesotho in March.

He was supposed to be suspended for that match due to yellow card accumulation. FIFA investigated the case and ruled nearly six months later that South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho would be overturned. The result was changed to a 3-0 loss for Bafana Bafana, costing them three crucial points in the standings.

This ruling came just before the final round of qualifying matches, putting pressure on South Africa to deliver strong performances. The deduction dropped their total from 17 points to 14, placing them level with Benin ahead of the last two fixtures.

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Despite the setback, the South African team managed to recover and ultimately secured top spot in their group. Rohr, however, expressed frustration with what he saw as an unfair advantage in the qualifying structure. He pointed out that South Africa played most of their games at home, which gave them favorable conditions compared to other teams.

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My team worked hard and improved a lot, Rohr said. But when you see that South Africa played seven home matches out of ten, it is not equal. They only traveled twice, to Rwanda and Nigeria. Against us, the match was held in the Ivory Coast. That situation gave them a big advantage.

The Benin coach emphasized that his team had to face tougher logistical and environmental challenges. Many African nations are unable to host international fixtures because their stadiums do not meet FIFA standards. As a result, South Africa benefited from hosting multiple games on home soil.

Rohr added that this issue highlights the need for fairer conditions in African qualifiers. Meanwhile, under coach Hugo Broos, South Africa continued to show determination. Despite the earlier points deduction, the team displayed strong performances in their remaining fixtures.

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Their 3-0 victory over Rwanda in the final round proved decisive. That win ensured Bafana Bafana finished at the top of Group C and booked their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The result ended a long wait for South Africa. The team last reached the World Cup in 2002, while their appearance in 2010 came automatically as hosts.

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Their return to football’s biggest stage marks a major milestone for the country. It also reflects the steady progress made under Broos, who took over as coach to rebuild the team’s competitiveness. Rohr admitted that his side’s qualification hopes were hurt not only by the deduction but also by Nigeria’s result in the final round.

Nigeria’s 4-0 win against Benin meant Bafana Bafana climbed above the West Africans to secure top position in the group. It was difficult for us, Rohr stated. We did our best, but the circumstances were not balanced.

Observers have echoed Rohr’s remarks, suggesting that the uneven distribution of home fixtures can influence the outcome of qualifying groups.  Playing at home allows teams to benefit from familiar conditions, fan support, and reduced travel fatigue.

In contrast, traveling teams often face long journeys, different climates, and unfamiliar environments, all of which can affect performance.

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South Africa’s football authorities, however, defended their campaign, insisting that all matches followed FIFA’s official arrangements. They pointed out that the decision for South Africa to host several fixtures came after some nations were unable to provide suitable venues.

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The federation also emphasized the team’s consistent form, highlighting their tactical discipline and growing confidence under Broos’s leadership. Broos, who previously led Cameroon to victory in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, has been credited with reviving South Africa’s national side.

His approach focused on blending young domestic talent with experienced players, creating a balanced squad capable of competing internationally. Under his management, South Africa has shown greater organization and defensive stability, while maintaining a quick, counter-attacking style.

The coach expressed pride in his players’ efforts during the campaign. We had challenges, but the team stayed focused, Broos said after their final victory. Qualifying for the World Cup is a dream for every nation. We worked for it, and the players deserved it.

The successful qualification has reignited excitement among South African fans. Supporters have praised the team’s resilience and the return of competitive football at the highest level.

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The nation now looks forward to seeing Bafana Bafana compete on the global stage once again after more than two decades. Looking ahead, analysts believe South Africa must continue improving to make an impact in the tournament. The expanded 48-team World Cup will feature tougher competition, and consistency will be essential.

Maintaining fitness, discipline, and focus will be key as they prepare for the 2026 event in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For Benin, the campaign ended in frustration, but Rohr’s comments sparked an important conversation about fairness in African football.

The debate over home advantage and infrastructure inequality is likely to continue, as many countries still lack approved stadiums. Until those issues are addressed, teams like South Africa may continue to benefit from favorable circumstances in future qualifiers.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will offer both nations valuable lessons. For South Africa, it represents a long-awaited return to the world stage. For Benin, it serves as motivation to keep developing and pushing toward future qualification campaigns. The road to the World Cup is rarely straightforward, but the passion and spirit of African football continue to shine brightly.

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FAQs

1. Why was South Africa’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 significant?

South Africa’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 marked its first return to the global tournament in over two decades. The team last reached the World Cup in 2002, while their 2010 appearance came automatically as hosts. Their success reflects strong progress under coach Hugo Broos, who rebuilt the squad with a balanced mix of youth and experience.

2. What challenges did Benin face during the Football World Cup qualifiers?

Benin encountered several challenges during the Football World Cup qualifying campaign, including playing most of their matches away from home due to stadium restrictions. Coach Gernot Rohr highlighted the unfair advantage enjoyed by South Africa, which hosted several games, making it difficult for Benin to compete under equal conditions.

3. How did FIFA’s decision affect South Africa’s qualifying campaign?

FIFA deducted three points from South Africa after the team fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a match against Lesotho. Despite the setback, South Africa recovered strongly and topped their group after a decisive win over Rwanda, showing resilience and focus in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification journey.

4. What role did coach Hugo Broos play in South Africa’s World Cup success?

Coach Hugo Broos played a crucial role in transforming South Africa’s national team. With his experience leading Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title, Broos implemented tactical discipline, improved defensive organization, and developed young local players. His leadership reignited belief and guided the team back to the Football World Cup stage.

5. Why is the issue of home advantage important in World Cup qualifiers?

Home advantage is a major talking point in World Cup qualifiers because it can influence results. Teams playing at home benefit from familiar conditions, fan support, and less travel fatigue. In contrast, visiting teams often face long journeys and unfamiliar environments. The situation has raised concerns about fairness in African qualifying formats, as noted by several coaches and analysts.