PERMUTATIONS: What Bafana Bafana need to secure World Cup ticket?

As the race to FIFA World Cup 2026™ intensifies, South Africa’s national team Bafana Bafana stands on the edge of history.

With 17 nations already qualified and 39 spots still open, all eyes are on the CAF region, where Morocco have led the way. But now, South Africa could be next to punch their ticket.

South Africa’s Qualification Scenario

Bafana Bafana will qualify for World Cup 26 if:

• They defeat Nigeria
• And Benin fail to beat Lesotho
• In the event of a draw against Nigeria, they remain top with 17 points.
• Qualification would still be within reach, but results from Rwanda vs Zimbabwe and Benin vs. Lesotho become crucial.

It’s a high-stakes double condition, but Bafana Bafana have momentum on their side, sitting atop Group C throughout the qualifiers. A win against Nigeria would not only be a statement but it could be their ticket to the global stage.

The African Contenders

While South Africa chase qualification, other African giants are also within reach:

• Egypt will qualify if they beat Burkina Faso.
• Algeria need a win over Guinea and favorable results from Uganda and Mozambique.
• Tunisia will qualify with a win or draw against Equatorial Guinea, depending on Namibia’s result.

 Tebogo Mokoena FIFA Review Pending

• A potential three-point deduction looms due to the alleged fielding of an ineligible player (Teboho Mokoena) in a previous match against Lesotho.
• If enforced, South Africa’s tally would drop to 13 points, tightening the race significantly.

 What’s Next?

South Africa hosts Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 9 September. A win would all but seal their place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Meanwhile, Benin and Rwanda remain in pursuit, with Nigeria needing a result against Rwanda to stay in contention3.