South Africa’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken a dramatic setback after the national team was sanctioned for using an ineligible player during the qualifiers.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured in the side’s 2–0 victory over Lesotho in March, despite being suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards. Following a review, FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled that South Africa had breached competition regulations. The result of that match has now been overturned to a 3–0 forfeit in favor of Lesotho.
In addition to the forfeit, the South African Football Association (SAFA) was fined 10,000 Swiss Francs ($12,500 / £9,340), while Mokoena himself received a formal warning.
The ruling has reshaped the dynamics of Group C in the African qualifiers. South Africa, who were sitting at the top of the table, have now dropped to second place behind Benin, who lead only on goal difference. With only group winners guaranteed a place at next year’s tournament in North and Central America, the sanction has created fresh opportunities for other teams. Both Nigeria and Rwanda, now just three points behind the leaders, have renewed hope of securing a spot in the finals.
The final two rounds in October promise to be decisive. Benin will travel to face Rwanda and Nigeria, while South Africa are scheduled to meet Zimbabwe away before hosting Rwanda at home.
SAFA has 10 days to appeal the decision, though overturning FIFA disciplinary rulings has historically been difficult. For now, the sanction leaves South Africa with a tougher road to qualification, while breathing new life into the campaigns of their closest rivals.
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