The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature 48 teams and run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
With only group winners from the African qualifiers securing an automatic spot and the four best runners-up advancing to a continental playoff, Group C is headed for a heart-stopping finish.
Group C Standings and Shock Penalty
The race in Group C has been dramatically reshaped by an administrative oversight involving South Africa.
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The FIFA Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their March qualifier against Lesotho. As a result, the match, which Bafana Bafana initially drew, was awarded 3-0 to Lesotho.
This penalty saw South Africa stripped of three crucial points, dropping them from 17 points to 14 points. This handed Benin the lead in Group C on a superior goal difference, intensifying the pressure on Hugo Broos’ side.
Team Focus: Three Points Separate Top Four Nations
South Africa (Played 8: Won 4; Drew 2; Lost 2)
With their comfortable lead erased, the margin for error for Bafana Bafana is zero. They are now tied with Benin on 14 points and must win their final two scheduled qualifiers to have any hope of automatic qualification:
The focus for Bafana Bafana must now be on proving on the pitch that they deserve to be among the continent’s elite, overcoming the serious administrative setback.
Benin (Played 8: Won 4; Drew 2; Lost 2)
Under the experienced guidance of German-French coach Gernot Rohr, Benin has been handed a significant boost to their World Cup dreams. Rohr, appointed in February 2023, has revitalised the team, notably securing their qualification for the Morocco 2025 AFCON.
Despite the advantage, the coach remains cautious. “It’s a small miracle to still have a chance in these conditions,” Rohr told Foot-Africa. “But it will be extremely difficult given our schedule.”
Nigeria (Played 8: Won 2; Drew 5; Lost 1)
The point deduction for South Africa has provided a “fresh life” to Nigeria’s campaign. The Super Eagles sit just three points behind the leaders on 11 points.
A win in their upcoming double-header, especially against Benin, could see them jump back into contention. The target for Coach Chelle is maximum points, aiming for a total of 17 points, which may be enough to seal automatic qualification depending on the outcome of the other matches.
Rwanda (Played 8: Won 3; Drew 2; Lost 3)
Rwanda, also on 11 points, is under the direction of new Algerian coach Adel Amrouche, appointed in March 2025. His immediate priority is navigating these crucial final qualifiers.
The Amavubi secured a surprising 1-0 win over Zimbabwe in the previous international window. That being said, their performance against Nigeria and Lesotho in the early qualifiers saw them take 1 point from a possible six, illustrating their inconsistency.
Amrouche will be looking to build on the win over Zimbabwe to steer the East African side toward international success.