South Africa became the latest African nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Rwanda 3-0 Tuesday to top their qualifying group, despite being docked three points for fielding an ineligible player in earlier games.
With the victory by South Africa over Rwanda in Mbombela, they have edged Nigeria and Benin to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It will be South Africa’s first appearance at a World Cup since they qualified automatically as the host in 2010.
South Africa’s victory meant Nigeria finished second in the group and will have to qualify through a playoff after missing out altogether on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Nigeria beat Benin 4-0 at home after a hat trick from star striker Victor Osimhen.
Benin had led the group before the last round.
Later on Tuesday, traditional African powerhouses Senegal and Ivory Coast sealed their places in December’s World Cup draw as the continent’s qualification games for automatic bids came to a close.
OSIMHEN NETS HATTRICK IN NIGERIA VS BENIN 4-0
The Super Eagles, who trailed Benin by three points going into the match and needed to overturn a deficit of two on goal difference, had a two-goal lead at the break at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria thanks to Osimhen.
The Galatasaray striker, who was one of the most sought-after talents by Europe’s club teams last summer, completed his hat-trick six minutes into the second half. But Nigerian nerves were not settled until Frank Onyeka’s injury-time strike.
Nigeria will now have to qualify through the CAF playoffs with the three other best second-placed sides in the nine first-round qualifying groups.
Those best runners-up will play in a semifinal-final format, with the winners competing in a FIFA interconfederation playoff for a potential 10th African World Cup spot. The second round of CAF qualifying to reach that stage will take place November 10-18.
SOUTH AFRICA VS RWANDA 3-0
South Africa have sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a dominant 3-0 win over Rwanda in their final qualifying match at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.
The home side got off to a perfect start in the fourth minute when Thalente Mbatha struck a brilliant right-footed shot from outside the box, finding the back of the net past Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari. The early goal gave Bafana Bafana control of the game, and they continued to press forward relentlessly.
Their persistence paid off in the 25th minute when Oswin Appollis doubled South Africa’s lead. The attacking midfielder capitalised on a loose ball in the box and smashed a right-footed shot past Ntwari to make it 2-0.
Rwanda struggled to find rhythm as South Africa dominated possession and created more chances before halftime.
Rwanda attempted to fight back after the break, with Abeddy Biramahire hitting the post in the 81st minute their best chance of the match. But South Africa’s defence, marshalled by captain Ronwen Williams, held firm and denied the visitors any real opening.
The result was sealed in the 71st minute when Evidence Makgopa rose highest from a corner to head home South Africa’s third goal, putting the contest beyond reach and sparking celebrations among the home fans.
Despite a few cautions including yellow cards for Sipho Mbule, Mohau Nkota and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams Hugo Broos’ side maintained composure throughout and managed the game professionally until the final whistle.
The victory capped off a successful qualifying campaign for Bafana Bafana, who finished top of their group despite having three points deducted for fielding an ineligible player, to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
