South Africa Beat Nigeria To Qualify For The World Cup

South Africa have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since hosting it in 2010 after finishing top of their group with a 3-0 win over Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

Benin began the final round of Group C matches in first place, two points ahead of South Africa and three clear of Nigeria. However, a crushing 4-0 defeat to Nigeria in Uyo with Victor Osimhen scoring a hat-trick — saw them drop to third place on goal difference.

That result opened the door for Bafana Bafana, who took full advantage with a convincing win at home. Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring in the fifth minute, Oswin Appollis doubled the lead midway through the first half, and Evidence Makgopa sealed the victory with a header in the 72nd minute.

South Africa now join Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, and Cape Verde as the seven African nations to qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup.

Their qualification also brings relief after FIFA handed them a 3-0 forfeit earlier this month for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March — a decision that briefly dropped them to second place behind Benin.

Coach Hugo Broos’ side recovered well, holding their nerve after a draw with Zimbabwe to finish strong and secure their World Cup return.

Meanwhile, Nigeria still have a chance to qualify through the play-offs after securing one of four available spots. The Super Eagles will need to win through a series of matches — including an intercontinental play-off next March — to book their ticket to the tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Victor Osimhen’s brilliant hat-trick against Benin kept Nigeria’s hopes alive. His clinical finishing including a diving header from a Moses Simon free-kick proved crucial as the Super Eagles ended their group campaign on a high.

Keeping the Napoli star fit and firing will be vital if Nigeria are to make it to the 2026 World Cup