Femi Ashekun/
FIFA has said that South Africa could secure their place at the 2026 World Cup if they defeat Nigeria in tonight’’s qualifying clash.
In a post on X, the world football body explained that Bafana Bafana may also be confirmed as Group C winners if Lesotho defeat Benin later today.
“Two more teams could secure @fifaworldcup 26 qualification today! Egypt will qualify if they beat Burkina Faso, while South Africa will qualify if they beat Nigeria, and Benin fail to beat Lesotho,” FIFA wrote.
South Africa currently top Group C with 16 points, six ahead of the Super Eagles. A win in Pretoria would virtually guarantee them a spot at the World Cup.
For Nigeria, the picture is less straightforward.
The Super Eagles must avoid defeat to stay firmly in contention. They would then need to win their remaining fixtures, while hoping South Africa slip up in later games, to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
In Group A, Egypt could also book their ticket to the tournament if they beat Burkina Faso in their qualifier.
The Pharaohs currently lead their group and remain on track to become one of Africa’s first confirmed representatives at the expanded 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s campaign faces a potential twist off the pitch.
FIFA has yet to decide on a protest filed by Lesotho, who are demanding that Bafana Bafana be docked three points and handed a 3-0 defeat for allegedly fielding an ineligible player in March.
The player in question, Teboho Mokoena, had reportedly accumulated two yellow cards and should have served a suspension, but he was still fielded against Lesotho.
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