What South Africa, Nigeria, Benin Need To Qualify For 2026 World Cup: Group C – Final Day Permutations

Drama, Dreams, And Desperation: The Final Day Showdown For World Cup Glory

The fate of three nations hangs in the balance as the final day of the FIFA 2026 World Cup African qualifiers for Group C arrives. Benin, South Africa, and Nigeria are locked in a breathtaking battle for a single automatic ticket to the tournament. With everything on the line, the mathematical permutations are as tense as the matches themselves, promising a day of high-stakes football that will end in ecstasy for one and heartbreak for the others.

Current standings and latest twists

As it stands after nine matches:

Position	Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Difference	Points
1	Benin	9	5	2	2	12	7	+5	17
2	South Africa	9	4	3	2	12	9	+3	15
3	Nigeria	9	3	5	1	11	8	+3	14
4	Rwanda	9	3	2	4	5	6	–1	11
5	Lesotho	9	2	3	4	8	12	–4	9
6	Zimbabwe	9	0	5	4	5	11	–6	5

The final day is finely balanced because of the latest results:

On 10 October, Benin beat Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali to go top.
On the same day, South Africa were held 0-0 by Zimbabwe in Durban, missing a chance to overtake.
Nigeria secured a 2-1 win over Lesotho, keeping their faint hopes alive.

CAF confirmed on 11 October that only the group winner qualifies directly, while the best runners-up across Africa go into a separate play-off. Group C’s congested standings mean second place may not be enough.

The permutations: a nail-biting trilogy

According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the paths to glory are narrow:

Benin hold their destiny. A win against Nigeria secures qualification. Even a draw could be enough — but only if South Africa fail to beat Rwanda.
South Africa must win against Rwanda and hope Nigeria beat Benin. If Benin draw, Bafana Bafana would need to win by at least three goals to edge it on goal difference.
Nigeria face the toughest task. They must beat Benin by three or more goals, and also hope South Africa fail to win. Anything less will not be enough.

“We still believe,” insists Bafana boss

The tension was palpable after South Africa’s goalless draw with Zimbabwe on 10 October. Despite dominating and striking the woodwork, Bafana could not score.

Coach Hugo Broos told reporters:

“It will be very important to see what happens in the game between Nigeria and Benin. We will see what the result will be there. But on the other side, we don’t really have to look. If we win the game [against Rwanda] we will then see what happens. And that is the most important thing. It will not be easy, certainly not. But as long as it’s possible, you have to believe.”

He added:

“I think we will be a little bit down for one or two days. But I will do everything to once again have a team that believes on Tuesday, one that will try to win the game with as many goals as possible because [the group] may be decided on goal difference.”

Super Eagles secure nervy win to stay alive

Nigeria’s hopes survived thanks to a 2-1 win in Lesotho. Captain William Troost-Ekong converted a penalty before substitute Akor Adams added a second. Lesotho pulled one back, but the Super Eagles held on.

Their final clash with Benin will be emotional — Benin are coached by former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr, who masterminded a 2-1 win over his old team in June 2024.

Final fixtures

13 October, 18:00 – Lesotho v Zimbabwe
14 October, 18:00 – Nigeria v Benin
14 October, 18:00 – South Africa v Rwanda

The stage is set. For Benin, a first-ever World Cup appearance beckons. For South Africa, redemption after a points deduction is on the line. For Nigeria, only a goal spree will do.

The final whistle on 14 October will decide whether dreams are realised or crushed.