South Africa’s ambitions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dealt a serious setback after global football’s governing body sanctioned the team for fielding an ineligible player, overturning a key qualifying victory.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena appeared in a 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, despite being under suspension due to a prior accumulation of yellow cards. FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled that the South African Football Association (Safa) violated competition regulations, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory by forfeit.
The ruling shifts the dynamics in Group C of the African qualifiers. South Africa, previously leading the group, now drops to second place behind Benin on goal difference. The group winner secures an automatic berth in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA also imposed a fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs (approximately $12,500) on Safa. Mokoena received a formal warning.
The revised standings tighten the race for qualification, with Nigeria and Rwanda now just three points behind the group leaders.
The final round of qualifiers, scheduled for October 10–14, could prove decisive. Benin faces away matches against Rwanda and Nigeria, while South Africa will travel to Zimbabwe before hosting Rwanda.
