The Rwanda Men’s National Football Team, Amavubi, is gearing up for two decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures, starting with a home clash against Benin on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
The team will then travel to face South Africa in their final Group C match on October 14.
Head coach Adel Amrouche, who recently secured his first win in charge with a victory over Zimbabwe, has named a 23-man squad for the two matches.
The Belgian tactician is eyeing history with Amavubi, as a win over the Benin Cheetahs would close the three-point gap between the sides.
Rwanda currently sits fourth in Group C with 11 points from eight games, trailing Benin and South Africa, who are joint-top with 14 points each.
Only the group winner will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the four best runners-up across all CAF groups will progress to the continental play-offs.
A victory on Friday would keep Rwanda’s qualification hopes alive heading into the final showdown against South Africa.
Amavubi players have already started arriving in Kigali ahead of the Benin match. Immediately after the October 10 fixture, the team will fly to South Africa for the October 14 tie.
Full Squad for October World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers:
- Ntwari Fiacre (Kaizer Chiefs)
- Buhake Clément Twizere (Ullensaker/Kisa)
- Ishimwe Pierre (APR FC)
Defenders: - Mutsinzi Ange (Zira FC)
- Manzi Thierry (Al Ahly Tripoli)
- Kavita Phanuel Mabaya (Birmingham Legion FC)
- Byiringiro Jean Gilbert (APR FC)
- Niyomugabo Claude (APR FC)
- Nkurikiyimana Darryl Ngaji (Standard de Liège)
- Nshimiyimana Emmanuel (Rayon Sports FC)
- Nshimiyimana Yunusu (APR FC)
- Imanishimwe Emmanuel (AEL Limassol FC)
Midfielders: - Bizimana Djihad (Al Ahly Tripoli)
- Mugisha Bonheur (Al Masry)
- Muhire Kevin (Jamus FC)
- Ruboneka Jean Bosco (APR FC)
- Hamon Aly-Enzo (Angoulême CFC)
- Ishimwe Anicet (Olympique Béja)
Forwards: - Mugisha Gilbert (APR FC)
- Kwizera Jojea (Rhode Island FC)
- Nshuti Innocent (Espérance Sportive de Zarzis)
- Biramahire Abedy (ES Sétif)
- Gitego Arthur (FUS Rabat)
- Joy-Lance Mickels (Sabah AFC)
With the group hanging in the balance, Rwanda will need to win both matches and hope other results fall in their favor to secure either top spot or a play-off place.
All eyes will be on Kigali this Friday as Amrouche’s men look to bring the nation closer to a first-ever World Cup appearance.
