JOHANNESBURG — South Africa secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup after a 3-0 victory over Rwanda on Tuesday, finishing at the top of their qualifying group, even after being penalized three points for using an ineligible player in previous matches.
This marks South Africa’s first World Cup appearance since they qualified as hosts in 2010.
As a result of South Africa’s win, Nigeria will finish second in the group and will now need to go through a playoff to qualify, having missed the opportunity to participate in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Nigeria secured a 4-0 victory against Benin at home, highlighted by a hat trick from star forward Victor Osimhen. Benin had previously been leading the group before the final matches.
This story includes information from The Associated Press.