South Africa Faces Setback in 2026 World Cup Qualification
South Africa's aspirations for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken a significant hit following sanctions imposed for fielding an ineligible player.
Teboho Mokoena participated in the 2-0 victory against Lesotho in March, despite the 28-year-old midfielder being under suspension due to two accumulated yellow cards.
A FIFA disciplinary committee has determined that South Africa violated competition regulations, resulting in a 3-0 forfeit of the match.
The South African Football Association (Safa) has been fined 10,000 Swiss Francs (approximately $12,500 or £9,340), while Mokoena has received a formal warning.
This ruling has reshaped Group C of the African World Cup qualifiers, causing South Africa to drop from first to second place, now trailing Benin on goal difference.
Only the group winners are guaranteed a spot in next year’s tournament in North and Central America.
The decision has also revived the hopes of Nigeria and Rwanda, both of whom are now three points behind Benin and South Africa.
Benin will face Rwanda and Nigeria in the final two rounds of qualifiers from October 10 to 14, while South Africa will play an away match against Zimbabwe before hosting Rwanda.
Safa has ten days to appeal FIFA's decision.