South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a major blow after the Disciplinary Committee of world football’s governing body sanctioned the team for fielding an ineligible player.

Midfielder Teboho Mokoena played in South Africa’s 2–0 victory over Lesotho on 21 March in Polokwane, despite being due to serve a suspension after accumulating two yellow cards. FIFA ruled that the appearance breached article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.

As punishment, South Africa have forfeited the match, with Lesotho awarded a 3–0 victory. The South African Football Association (SAFA) has also been fined 10,000 Swiss Francs ($12,500, £9,340), while Mokoena has received a formal warning.

“The representative team of South Africa must forfeit the match in question, resulting in a default score of 3–0,” FIFA said in its ruling, confirming that parties have ten days to appeal the decision before the FIFA Appeal Committee.

The sanction strips South Africa of three crucial points, dropping them from top of Group C to second place behind Benin on goal difference. Only group winners are guaranteed qualification for the 2026 finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The ruling has thrown Group C wide open, with Nigeria and Rwanda, both three points behind Benin and South Africa, suddenly revived in the race. Benin will face Rwanda and Nigeria in the final two rounds of qualifiers between 10 and 14 October, while South Africa are set to travel to Zimbabwe before hosting Rwanda in their closing fixtures.

The decision has dramatically shifted the dynamics of the group, with every remaining match now carrying added significance for Africa’s World Cup hopefuls.

Faridah Abdulkadiri 

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