Bafana Bafana are potentially 90 minutes away from qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and could secure their spot at next year’s tournament as soon as TONIGHT.
South Africa will host bitter rivals Nigeria at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
Kick-off is at 18:00.
Eliminated
Bafana Bafana enjoy a five-point lead atop Group C after seven (of 10) matches.
A win over third-placed Nigeria would see Hugo Broos’s side qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if second-placed Benin don’t beat fifth-placed Lesotho later this evening (21:00).
A defeat for Nigeria would see them eliminated from contention.
The winners of the nine CAF groups will automatically qualify for next year’s tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The four best group runners-up will participate in playoffs to determine which team will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs where a further spot is available.
Bafana Bafana’s final two group qualifiers are away against Zimbabwe (6 October) and at home against Rwanda (13 October).
Kick-off times are yet to be confirmed.
Bafana Bafana last played at a FIFA World Cup in 2010 when South Africa hosted the tournament.
They last qualified for a World Cup in 2002 in South Korea and Japan.
Injury news
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana head into the Nigeria match without right-back Nyiko Mobbie, who was injured against Lesotho last Friday.
He has since been replaced by Kaizer Chiefs’ Thabiso Monyane.
In the Super Eagles’ camp, the West Africans are without their biggest star, Victor Osimhen. The star striker had to be subbed off in the 30th minute against Rwanda due to injury.
Will Bafana Bafana clinch their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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