Nigeria and South Africa’s World Cup hopes hang in the balance as both teams prepare for decisive fixtures that will determine who qualifies for the 2026 tournament in North America.
Nigeria and South Africa are in a tense battle for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with two matches remaining against Lesotho and Benin, while South Africa occupy second place, level on points with Benin but behind on goal difference.
Only the group winners qualify automatically for the World Cup, while second-placed teams enter a mini-league, with the top four advancing to a continental play-off to decide who proceeds to the inter-confederation stage. Nigeria received a huge boost when FIFA docked South Africa three points for fielding a suspended player against Lesotho, a punishment that reshaped the qualification picture.
Had Bafana Bafana not been penalised, they would have been on the verge of sealing direct qualification. Now, they must beat Zimbabwe and Rwanda to remain in contention. Nigeria, meanwhile, face a must-win tie against Lesotho before a potentially decisive final showdown with Benin. Lesotho and Rwanda also have faint hopes of progressing but need perfect results and favourable outcomes elsewhere. The Super Eagles’ path remains challenging but still within reach as the race intensifies toward next summer’s global tournament.