FIFA said on Tuesday that South Africa could qualify for the 2026 World Cup if they beat Nigeria in their qualifying match on Tuesday evening.
In a post on X, the world governing body hinted that the Bafana Bafana may become the Group C winner if Lesotho win against Benin later today.
FIFA wrote, “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.”
South Africa currently top Group C with 16 points—six more than the Super Eagles have amassed so far.
This means a victory in Pretoria would leave Nigeria with work to do to keep their own qualifying hopes alive.
FIFA has not yet ruled on a separate dispute that could affect South Africa’s standing.
Lesotho have since filed a protest, demanding South Africa be docked three points and the result overturned to a 3-0 defeat.
South Africa allegedly fielded an ineligible player against Lesotho in March.
Teboho Mokoena should have served a suspension after picking up two yellow cards, but he was still fielded.
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