Kaizer Chiefs Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari Loses Chance to Play in 2026 FIFA World Cup After Rwanda Fails to Qualify for Tournament in USA Canada and Mexico

For a few players from South Africa’s top clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, the dream of playing on football’s grandest stage in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially over.

While many of their teammates will be battling it out for a spot in Bafana Bafana’s squad, some stars will have to watch from the sidelines as the tournament kicks off across the USA, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 11.

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Fiacre Ntwari’s World Cup Hopes End After Rwanda Fails to Qualify

Kaizer Chiefs’ goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari, is one player whose World Cup ambitions have been dashed.

Representing Rwanda, Ntwari will not be heading to North America because his national team failed to qualify.

Ironically, South Africa played a key role in ending Rwanda’s campaign.

Bafana Bafana crushed Rwanda 4-0 in their final qualifier, punching their own ticket to the World Cup while simultaneously ending Ntwari’s dreams for 2026.

Adding to his challenges, Ntwari is reportedly among the Chiefs players likely to depart from the club, meaning he faces a period of uncertainty both internationally and domestically.

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Orlando Pirates Players Also Shut Out of Global Tournament

The disappointment doesn’t stop with Ntwari.

Orlando Pirates stars Deivi Miguel Vieira of Angola and Abdoulaye Mariko of Cameroon will also miss the FIFA World Cup.

Angola’s national team was eliminated in the group stages, while Cameroon came agonizingly close but lost 1-0 to DR Congo in the playoff stage, a late goal ending their campaign.

For these players, all preparation, anticipation, and hard work to reach the world’s biggest football stage will have to be shelved as they watch the tournament unfold from home.

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Mixed Feelings Among Club and Country Teammates

While some players from both clubs celebrate their countries’ qualification or fight for a squad spot, others face the harsh reality of elimination.

The emotional contrast is stark: teammates achieving a lifelong dream while others process the disappointment of missing out entirely.

This duality extends to club dynamics as well.

Fans and teammates will support those heading to the USA, Canada, and Mexico, but the absence of certain stars may also impact team morale and preparation in the lead-up to the World Cup.

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What’s Next for These Players

For players like Ntwari, Vieira, and Mariko, the next step involves focusing on club football and personal development.

Transfers, contract negotiations, or moves to other leagues could be on the horizon, especially for those seeking to maintain momentum and visibility on the international stage.

For South African fans, the 2026 World Cup will be a time to cheer for those who qualified while supporting and encouraging those left out.

Clubs may also need to adjust strategies, particularly if key players are absent during the tournament.

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Summary

Several Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates players will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their national teams—Rwanda, Angola, and Cameroon—failed to qualify.

Fiacre Ntwari, Deivi Miguel Vieira, and Abdoulaye Mariko are among those whose World Cup ambitions are dashed.

While other teammates prepare for Hugo Broos’s Bafana Bafana squad, these players will shift focus back to club football and personal development, navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.