FIFA has handed down a major sanction against the South African national football team, docking three points from their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign for fielding an ineligible player.
The disciplinary ruling, announced on Monday, centered on Teboho Mokoena, who was suspended after receiving two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers but was still included in the squad that faced Lesotho in March 2025.
Following the review, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee awarded Lesotho a 3–0 default victory and fined the South African Football Association (SAFA) 10,000 Swiss Francs.
Impact on World Cup Qualifiers
The punishment has dramatically reshaped the Group C standings. South Africa, previously top of the group, has now slipped back, sitting level on points with Benin, while Nigeria and Rwanda are only three points behind.
With just two matches remaining in the qualifiers, the race for the group’s sole automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is now wide open.
Backlash and Reactions
The decision has sparked uproar among South African fans, who took to social media to criticise SAFA for what many described as a “careless and costly oversight.”
“This is unforgivable. How do you not track suspensions at this level?” one supporter posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Analysts say the error could prove devastating if South Africa ultimately fail to qualify for the World Cup.
FIFA’s Warning
FIFA stressed that its decision was in line with established disciplinary rules aimed at protecting the integrity of competitions. The governing body also issued a reminder to all member associations to strictly monitor player eligibility to avoid similar incidents.
What’s Next?
South Africa now face a must-win situation in their remaining fixtures to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The setback has not only dented their chances but also boosted the hopes of regional rivals eager to snatch the group’s top spot.