The draws for the 2026 World Cup qualifying round for African teams have been concluded.
The draws were done on Thursday in Abidjan, Ivory Coast immediately after the 45th Confederation of African Football (CAF) Ordinary Assembly.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria were paired with South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe Rwanda, and Lesotho in the race for the 2026 world cup ticket which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the draws in a post via its official Twitter account on Thursday.
It wrote: “We are up against South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe Rwanda, & Lesotho as we seek a place at the @FIFAWorldCup in 2026.
“Yes, we can.”
As earlier reported, Africa will use a one-stage World Cup qualification system for the 2026 edition of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, according to a statement from CAF.
Under the new CAF format, which was accepted by the Executive Committee, the 54 Member Association teams would be split into nine groups of six teams each.
The group winners will move on to the World Cup since Africa’s berths have been increased to nine teams, with the 10th team qualifying via a playoff system.
The four top runners-up will be chosen at random in a mini-playoff to determine one more team that will advance to the Intercontinental playoffs.
