The latest round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup produced thrilling encounters across Africa and Europe on Tuesday, with Nigeria held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa, while Senegal mounted a stunning comeback to defeat DR Congo.

At the Free State Stadium, the Super Eagles were forced to settle for a point against Bafana Bafana in a tense clash.

An own goal from William Troost-Ekong gave the hosts an early advantage before Calvin Bassey restored parity for Nigeria. The result leaves both sides locked in a battle for top spot in Group C.

In one of the day’s most dramatic fixtures, Senegal overturned a 2-0 deficit to defeat DR Congo 3-2 at the Stade des Martyrs. The Teranga Lions showed grit and determination to seal all three points and boost their qualification hopes.

Elsewhere on the continent, Kenya demolished Seychelles 5-0, while Cape Verde edged Cameroon 1-0 in a surprise result. Benin thrashed Lesotho 4-0, and Rwanda sealed a narrow 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe.

Other scores:

Sierra Leone 2-0 Ethiopia

Burkina Faso 0-0 Egypt

Togo 1-0 Sudan

Tanzania 0-1 Niger

Namibia 3-0 São Tomé and Príncipe

Mauritania 0-0 South Sudan

Gabon 0-0 Ivory Coast

Angola 3-1 Mauritius

Gambia 2-0 Burundi

In Europe, England produced a ruthless display with a 5-0 victory over Serbia away from home. Portugal also grabbed a dramatic 3-2 win against Hungary, while France edged Iceland 2-1.

Other European results:

Azerbaijan 1-1 Ukraine

Armenia 2-1 Republic of Ireland

Bosnia & Herzegovina 1-2 Austria

Cyprus 2-2 Romania

Norway 11-1 Moldova

Albania 1-0 Latvia

The next round of qualifiers will resume in October, as nations continue their push to book a place at the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.

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