2026 World Cup Qualifiers: CAF Group C in focus as Nigeria, South Africa and Benin head into crucial matches
Group C blown wide open after South Africa’s points deduction
After the September international break, South Africa were on the cusp of securing their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since hosting the global competition back in 2010.
However, Group C has received a major shake-up since then, with FIFA confirming that Bafana Bafana have been docked three points for fielding an ineligible player - Teboho Mokoena - against Lesotho earlier in the competition.
The Mamelodi Sundowns attacker had received two yellow cards in previous matches, meaning he should have served a one-match suspension against Likuena. South Africa won the match 2-0, but that result has now been overturned to a 3-0 defeat.
As a result, Hugo Broos’ side has dropped to second place in the group, level with Benin on 14 points but with a worse goal difference. Nigeria and Rwanda, who are third and fourth, respectively, now trail the group leaders by just three points.
With two games left to play, all four teams are still in with a chance of winning the section and punching their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Only the team that finishes first earns direct qualification to the main draw.
Nigeria vs. Benin shaping up to be potential group decider
Matches in Group C at the CAF World Cup Qualifiers resume on October 10, and the first fixture could set the tone for how the group may pan out, with Rwanda and Benin set to face off in Kigali. All of the matches will be covered via our football livescore tool, so you will not miss a moment of the action.
A defeat for Rwanda would likely spell the end of their automatic qualification hopes, while Benin would remain in contention even if they lose. A victory for Les Guepards would see them move three points clear of the pack until later in the day.
South Africa arguably have the most favourable fixtures this month, as they are scheduled to meet Zimbabwe in what is ultimately a ‘home’ game in Durban on Friday before taking on Rwanda in Mbombela four days later.
Nigeria, on the other hand, have perhaps the toughest route, as they will first need to overcome Lesotho in Polokwane, where anything besides a victory will all but end their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup next year.
The Super Eagles’ final match of the group sees them return to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on November 14, where, depending on earlier results, they could be playing for their spot in the World Cup main draw against Benin.
