Football’s world governing body, FIFA, has spoken about South Africa’s qualification chances for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they prepare to face Nigeria in a crucial qualifier today.

In a post shared on its official X account, FIFA explained that South Africa will automatically qualify if they defeat Nigeria, provided Benin fails to beat Lesotho in the same round of fixtures.

“Two more teams could secure @fifaworldcup 26 qualification today! Egypt will qualify if they beat Burkina Faso, while South Africa will qualify if they beat Nigeria, and Benin fails to beat Lesotho,” FIFA wrote.

South Africa currently sits at the top of Group C with 16 points, six ahead of Nigeria’s Super Eagles. A win today would put them beyond reach, booking their ticket to the expanded World Cup.

However, uncertainty still lingers over their earlier match against Lesotho. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena was fielded despite being suspended after picking up two yellow cards. Lesotho has since protested, demanding that South Africa be penalized with a 3-0 defeat and a three-point deduction. FIFA is yet to issue a final ruling on the matter.

As it stands, the stakes are high: victory today could seal qualification for Bafana Bafana, while the Super Eagles are fighting to keep their World Cup hopes alive.