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FIFA has handed South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, a significant setback in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The decision comes after the team fielded Teboho Mokoena while he was serving a suspension due to yellow card accumulation in their match against Lesotho.
As a result, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been ordered to forfeit the match, and three points along with three goals have been deducted from their tally.
The controversy revolves around Mokoena, 28, whose eligibility has been questioned for months. Despite knowing he was suspended, he played in Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho earlier this year.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee confirmed the breach, citing violations of Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.
“The South African Football Association is sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player during the South Africa vs. Lesotho match played on March 21, 2025,” the statement read.
In addition to the points deduction, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena received a formal warning.
The committee also clarified that the match is now officially recorded as a 3-0 loss for South Africa.
The ruling was communicated to all involved parties on September 29, 2025, and SAFA has ten days to request a motivated decision. Should they appeal, the matter would be reviewed by FIFA’s Appeal Committee.
This development dramatically reshapes Group C standings. Hugo Broos’ side, which previously led the group with 17 points from eight matches, now falls to second place, trailing Benin on goal difference.
The new ranking increases the intensity of the remaining qualifiers, with South Africa needing strong performances against Zimbabwe and Rwanda to reclaim their position. Meanwhile, Benin faces Rwanda and Nigeria in crucial fixtures, and Nigeria itself must contend with Lesotho and Benin.
Football analysts describe the incident as a costly administrative oversight that could jeopardize South Africa’s World Cup ambitions. The decision also highlights the importance of strict adherence to FIFA regulations, reminding all national associations of the consequences of fielding suspended players.
The ruling has thrown Group C wide open, with all four teams still in contention for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. As the final matches approach, every goal, point, and disciplinary compliance will be critical for teams seeking to secure a coveted spot in the tournament.
The focus now shifts to South Africa’s preparation and strategic planning, as the team works to overcome the setback and regain momentum before their remaining fixtures. For Mokoena and Bafana Bafana, the pressure is immense, with the eyes of the football world watching how they respond to this disciplinary blow.
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