South Africa secured a return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010 after claiming top spot in Group C, edging out Nigeria and Benin.

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South Africa Capitalises on Benin Slip

Benin entered the final round leading the group, two points ahead of South Africa and three ahead of Nigeria. However, a 4-0 defeat for Benin away to Nigeria, highlighted by Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick, opened the door for Bafana Bafana.

South Africa made no mistake at home, defeating Rwanda 3-0 in Mbombela:

• Thalente Mbatha – 5th minute
• Oswin Appollis – first-half midway
• Evidence Makgopa – 72nd minute

The result confirmed South Africa as the seventh African nation to qualify for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup, joining Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, and Cape Verde.

A recent 3-0 forfeit by FIFA over an ineligible player against Lesotho did not derail South Africa’s campaign, as they recovered to top the group at the final hurdle.

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Nigeria Secures Play-Off Spot

Nigeria, despite a rollercoaster campaign, ensured participation in the African continental play-offs with a 4-0 win over Benin. Victor Osimhen was instrumental, scoring a hat-trick and assisting Frank Onyeka’s stoppage-time goal:

• 3rd minute – Osimhen converts Samuel Chukwueze’s through ball
• 37th minute – Osimhen heads in a Fulham winger cross
• 51st minute – Osimhen finishes a diving header from Moses Simon’s free-kick
• 91st minute – Onyeka volleys in another Simon assist

Nigeria struggled without Osimhen, earning just four points from five games in his absence. The team has undergone multiple managerial changes this cycle, with Eric Chelle now at the helm following stints from Jose Peseiro and Finidi George.

Nigeria’s route to the World Cup now requires success in the continental play-offs, with Osimhen’s fitness a critical factor for their qualification hopes.

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Key Takeaways

• South Africa returns to the World Cup after 15 years.
• Nigeria must navigate the African play-offs for a 2026 spot.
• Victor Osimhen scored four goals across the decisive matches for Nigeria.
• Both teams will be part of the expanded 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.