JOHANNESBURG (BN24)— FIFA has handed South Africa a heavy blow in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign after ruling that the country fielded an ineligible player during their March 21 qualifier against Lesotho. The ruling means South Africa has forfeited the match, which Lesotho is now awarded as a 3-0 victory.
The decision, announced Monday by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, centers on midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was ineligible to play due to a suspension resulting from accumulated yellow cards. South Africa had originally won the match 2-0, but FIFA overturned the result following the breach of regulations outlined in the FIFA Disciplinary Code and World Cup Preliminary Competition rules.
In addition to the forfeiture, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been fined 10,000 Swiss Francs (approximately $12,500), while Mokoena received a formal warning. The ruling dramatically reshapes Group C standings, pushing South Africa from first to second place behind Benin on goal difference.
This ruling injects renewed competition into the race for the sole automatic qualification spot from the group. Nigeria and Rwanda remain within striking distance, trailing by just three points as the qualifiers head into their final phase. South Africa faces a daunting path ahead, including away matches in Zimbabwe and a crucial home fixture against Rwanda.
FIFA confirmed SAFA has ten days to request a detailed explanation of the ruling and may appeal the decision before the FIFA Appeals Committee. However, for the moment, the 3-0 forfeit result stands, casting serious doubts over South Africa’s ambitions to qualify for the World Cup scheduled in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.
A FIFA statement noted: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the match against Lesotho played on 21 March 2025. Consequently, the match is forfeited by South Africa with a 3-0 scoreline. SAFA must also pay a fine of CHF 10,000, and Mokoena has been issued a warning. The parties have ten days to request a motivated decision and may appeal the ruling.”
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