South Africa vs Rwanda: Kick-off Time, Live Stream, Line-ups & Key Stats for Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier

South Africa face Rwanda this afternoon in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit. Kick-off is set for 18:00 local time (16:00 UTC), and the result could reshape Group C, where Bafana Bafana trail leaders Benin by one point after five matches. Form guide and stakes • South Africa were stunned 2-0 in Kigali last November and remain the only side Rwanda have beaten in this campaign. • Hugo Broos’ men have since collected seven of nine points, but anything less than victory today leaves automatic qualification out of their hands. • Rwanda sit fourth but are just three points off the summit, meaning Amavubi can reignite their own World Cup dream with another upset. Team news Broos suffered a pre-match blow when first-choice centre-back Mothobi Mvala was ruled out with a hamstring injury, while striker Lyle Foster remains sidelined as he continues a monitored return to full match fitness. Goal South Africa reports that Orlando Pirates forward Evidence Makgopa is expected to lead the line, flanked by Kaizer Chiefs winger Ashley du Preez and Percy Tau in a 4-3-3 setup. Rwanda coach Carlos Alós is likely to stick with the compact 5-4-1 shape that frustrated the hosts in Kigali, spearheaded by in-form Alphonse Mutabazi. Key battles to watch • Percy Tau vs Ange Mutsinzi: Tau’s drifting runs between the lines were absent in the reverse fixture, and unlocking Rwanda’s three-man central defence is essential. • Teboho Mokoena vs Djihad Bizimana: Mokoena’s range of passing will try to stretch a midfield that excels at crowding passing lanes. • Set-pieces: Five of the group’s last eight goals have originated from dead-ball situations; South Africa conceded both goals in Kigali from corners. Match facts and stats • South Africa are unbeaten in 10 competitive home games under Broos. • Rwanda have never won on South African soil, drawing once and losing twice across all competitions. • A win for Bafana Bafana could propel them to first place should Benin drop points later tonight. How to watch and live updates The South Africa vs Rwanda clash will be broadcast live on SABC Sport and SuperSport Premier, while global fans can stream via FIFA+ in selected territories. Real-time scores and commentary are available on News24’s live blog and VAVEL’s match tracker. Prediction Broos’ side have added urgency and better finishing since January’s AFCON run, and home advantage at a sold-out Mbombela should tilt the balance. Expect a tight encounter, but South Africa’s superior depth could see them edge a 2-1 win and keep their route to North America 2026 alive.