Overview

• The victory secured first place in African Qualifying Group C with 18 points.
• Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa scored in the home win at Mbombela Stadium.
• Nigeria finished second and advanced to the playoff, with Benin third on goal difference.
• Coach Hugo Broos guided South Africa to what will be the nation’s fourth World Cup appearance.
• The 2026 event in Canada, Mexico and the United States now counts 22 confirmed teams, according to local tallies.