JOHANNESBURG -- South Africa became the latest African nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Rwanda 3-0 Tuesday to top their qualifying group, despite being docked three points for fielding an ineligible player in earlier games.
It will be South Africa's first appearance at a World Cup since they qualified automatically as the host in 2010.
South Africa's victory meant Nigeria finished second in the group and will have to qualify through a playoff after missing out altogether on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Nigeria beat Benin 4-0 at home after a hat trick from star striker Victor Osimhen. Benin had led the group before the last round.
Later on Tuesday, traditional African powerhouses Senegal and Ivory Coast sealed their places in December's World Cup draw as the continent's qualification games for automatic bids came to a close.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.
