South Africa, Senegal and Ivory Coast have qualified for the 2026 Fifa World Cup following their victories in the respective final group matches in the qualifying campaign.
Bafana Bafana overcame Rwanda’s Amavubi 3-0 to move top of group C on 18 points ahead of rivals Nigeria who beat did them a favour by beating Benin.
Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa scored the goals for Hugo Broos’ men to overtake Benin who lost 4-0 to Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Uyo.
Victor Osimhen notched a hattrick while Frank Onyeka got the other to hand Eric Chelle’s men a play off spot as they ended the campaign in second place behind Bafana Bafana.
It is the first time since 2010 when they hosted the tournament that South Africa returns to the global stage.
Their other appearances where in 1998 in France and then 2002 in Korea and Japan.
Senegal’s Lions of Teranga beat Mauritania 4-0 to pip DR Congo to top spot in Group B ending the campaign on 24 points, one better than The Leopards who now qualify for the play off after they saw off Sudan.
Sadio Mane scored a brace and Illman Ndiaye plus Habib Diallo got the other goal for the 2002 quarter finalists while Theo Bongonda’s strike won the game for Sebastien Desabre’s men.
Ivory Coast also clinched top spot in group F following a 3-0 win over visiting Kenya’s Harambee Stars.
Frank Kessie, Yan Diamonde and Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scoring the important goals to extend the Elephants’ points tally to 26.
Second placed Gabon beat Burundi 2-0 in Franceville and will now hope to qualify via a play off.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in Canada, Mexico and United States of Africa
Africa’s qualified teams
Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and South Africa.
