Benin Republic’s hopes of a historic first FIFA World Cup qualification received a major boost after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld FIFA’s sanction against Equatorial Guinea for fielding an ineligible player during the ongoing 2026 African qualifiers.

CAS dismissed Equatorial Guinea’s appeal to overturn FIFA’s decision, which saw them stripped of six points and six goals for using veteran striker Emilio Nsue in victories over Namibia and Liberia in November 2023. FIFA had ruled in May 2024 that Nsue, despite regularly playing for Equatorial Guinea and even winning the AFCON golden boot earlier that year, had never been formally cleared to switch allegiance from Spain, whom he represented at youth level.

Although FIFA later granted Nsue clearance in March 2025, Equatorial Guinea’s appeal for the reinstatement of their deducted points was rejected, leaving their qualification hopes in ruins. The ruling keeps Namibia in second place in Group H with 15 points, four clear of Liberia, while Tunisia have already sealed the group’s automatic World Cup slot.

For Benin Republic, the CAS verdict sparks renewed optimism. The Cheetahs sit second in Group C on 14 points, three behind leaders South Africa. However, they are urging FIFA to apply the same disciplinary standards to Bafana Bafana, who fielded Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho despite the midfielder having accumulated two yellow cards.

Should FIFA sanction South Africa, the group dynamics would shift dramatically: both Benin and South Africa would be level on 14 points, with Benin edging top spot on goal difference. That scenario would set up a dramatic showdown in Bloemfontein, where the two sides meet in the final group match—a potential winner-takes-all clash for a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

As things stand, CAS’ firm stance has thrown Group C wide open and given Benin Republic a glimmer of hope that their long-awaited World Cup breakthrough could still be on the horizon.