Here Is How Much Bafana Bafana Will Get for Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup
South African football players and the technical team of Bafana Bafana are set to receive a massive R5 million bonus following their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bafana Bafana to Receive R5 Million Bonus After World Cup Qualification
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie made the announcement in the team’s dressing room after Bafana Bafana’s emphatic 3–0 victory over Rwanda, which secured their top spot in Group A, SABC Sport reveals.
“What you’ve done today deserves recognition. I’m going to give something, but it must be shared amongst all of you. We are going to make you happy because you have made the country happy,” said McKenzie.
Bafana Bafana’s qualification marks their first return to the World Cup in 16 years, having last appeared in 2010 when South Africa hosted the tournament. Their last qualification before that was in 2002.
“They Played With Heart” — McKenzie Praises Players and Coach
McKenzie applauded the players for proving critics wrong after the team’s earlier draw with Zimbabwe and the three-point deduction had left many doubting their chances.
“They were doubting and laughing, but our boys played with heart. I want to thank the South African public for standing behind Bafana Bafana. They left everything on the field. Nigeria didn’t help us; we played our football, and we won,” he said.
The minister also reserved special praise for head coach Hugo Broos, who will return to the World Cup 40 years after his last appearance at the 1986 edition with Belgium.
“Before Hugo Broos became the coach, Bafana Bafana were the laughing stock, but this coach turned things around. I’m the happiest minister in the whole world right now,” McKenzie added.
PSL Clubs to Benefit From FIFA’s $355 Million Club Programme
In a separate development, Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs are set to benefit from FIFA’s expanded Club Benefits Programme, which will, for the first time, reward teams that release players for World Cup qualifiers — not just the final tournament.
FIFA has allocated $355 million (around R6.4 billion) for distribution to clubs globally whose players feature in the 2026 qualifiers and finals.
The fund, which is nearly 70% higher than in the previous World Cup cycle, follows a renewed memorandum of understanding between FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA).
Previously, only clubs with players at the finals received compensation, but the new model ensures teams benefit earlier in the qualification stages.