Rwanda vs Benin: a decisive clash in the race for the 2026 World Cup

World Cup 2026 10 October 2025 at 04:14

Aliou Toundé

News Editor

Benin faces Rwanda this Friday in Kigali in a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier. Both teams are still in contention for a spot, but a draw could complicate their ambitions.

Rwanda aiming for a major upset

Currently fourth in Group C with 9 points—just three behind the leading pair—Rwanda’s Amavubi are still in the hunt. They recently edged Zimbabwe 1-0 after a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Nigeria.

With a rock-solid defense and a game built on discipline, the Rwandans have conceded few goals but continue to struggle up front: their last five matches have all featured under 2.5 goals. A home win would dramatically revive their hopes ahead of their final showdown against South Africa.

Benin dreaming big

Sitting atop the group thanks to a superior goal difference, Benin heads into this high-stakes encounter brimming with confidence. Gernot Rohr’s Cheetahs are riding a wave after back-to-back convincing wins: 1-0 over Zimbabwe and a 4-0 rout of Lesotho.

With a watertight defense and an improving attack, Benin know that a solid win here could be enough to keep them at the summit before next week’s grand finale against Nigeria.