FIFA has officially penalized South Africa by deducting three points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to the team having an ineligible player on the field.
The match against Lesotho has been recorded as a 3-0 forfeit in favour of Lesotho, and the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been fined CHF 10,000 by FIFA.
South Africa included midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho, even though he was suspended for receiving two yellow cards in earlier qualifying matches.
Mokoena participated in the game held at the FNB Stadium.
Read also:
- Trump vows to shield Israel from FIFA sanctions as World Cup controversy escalates
- FIFA announces neutral venues for next month’s World Cup qualifiers
- Falconets defeat Rwanda’s U-20 women1-0 victory in FIFA World Cup qualifier
In a letter to SAFA dated September 15, 2025, FIFA stated that both the player and the association were charged with violating multiple disciplinary regulations, including the use of an ineligible player.
The case has been forwarded to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, and both parties have been given six days to respond.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Teboho Mokoena has received a warning.
The three points awarded to Lesotho due to the forfeit have significantly altered the standings in Group C.
Previously, South Africa led Group C with 17 points, but the deduction has brought their total down to 14 points, putting them on par with the Benin Republic.
This has intensified the competition for World Cup qualification in the group with two matches left in the qualifying series.
The point deduction has opened up the race in Group C, where the top team will earn automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
