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

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