Rwanda’s Amavubi Stars have shaken up the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying picture after snatching a vital 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe in Harare on Tuesday. The result sees them jump above Nigeria’s Super Eagles into third place in Group C, piling extra pressure on the West Africans ahead of their crunch tie against South Africa.

The decisive moment came in the 40th minute when Gilbert Mugisha showcased his composure with a clinical finish, sealing three priceless points for the Wasps.

With the win, Rwanda now sit third on 11 points from eight matches, leaving Nigeria trailing with 10 points from seven games. The Super Eagles’ stuttering form — just two wins, four draws, and a defeat — means their qualification hopes now hang in the balance.

South Africa remain in pole position with 16 points, while Benin and Rwanda are pushing hard in the chase. Only one automatic spot is available, setting the stage for a dramatic final round of fixtures in October.

For Zimbabwe, the loss confirmed the end of their World Cup dream, as they remain rooted at the bottom with four points from eight games.

The spotlight now shifts to Bloemfontein, where Nigeria face South Africa in what could be a defining moment for both nations in their qualification campaigns.