World Cup 2026 qualifiers – Group C: Four teams, one ticket | OneFootball

Four teams, one ticket in Group C

South Africa/@CAF

Group C stands out as one of the most fiercely contested pools in these qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Africa Zone).

Following South Africa's forfeit loss to Lesotho due to fielding a suspended player, the cards have been reshuffled in this group.

Indeed, Benin has overtaken South Africa thanks to a better goal difference (14 points, +4 versus +3). Nigeria, sitting third with 11 points, is back in the race, as is Rwanda, who are level on points.

The Cheetahs are on the brink of history. If they win their last two matches and finish with more points than South Africa or a superior goal difference, they will qualify for the World Cup for the first time ever.

What makes this group even more thrilling is the direct showdowns between the main contenders: Benin vs Rwanda, Nigeria vs Benin, and South Africa vs Rwanda.

The decisive matches for the top spot in Group C:

Nigeria vs Benin