The Bafana Bafana of South Africa has been deducted 3 points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their match against Lesotho on March 21, 2025. Mokoena was suspended due to accumulated yellow cards but played in the match, which South Africa won 2-0. However, FIFA declared the match forfeited in favor of Lesotho, awarding them a 3-0 victory.
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the South Africa v Lesotho match played on 21 March 2025 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition, thereby breaching article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™️ Preliminary Competition Regulations, Consequently, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has declared the match forfeited by South Africa by a score of 3–0. SAFA has also been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 to FIFA, while Teboho Mokoena has been issued with a warning.” FIFA in a statement said.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) was fined CHF 10,000 (approximately $11,000) and Teboho Mokoena also received a formal warning.
Benin Republic now takes top spot in Group C with 14 points.
South Africa has now dropped to second place with 14 points but inferior goal difference.
Nigeria Super Eagles remains in contention with 11 points, still in the running for World Cup qualification.
South Africa will now be aiming to go back top of group C table as they will be facing Zimbabwe away on October 10 and then hosting Rwanda 4 days later in what will be their final qualification match.
