The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has handed the South African Football Association (SAFA) a major setback after FIFA sanctions South Africa for fielding suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on 21 March 2025.
The ruling not only forfeits the game but also deducts three crucial points from South Africa’s tally, leaving Group C wide open as the qualification race intensifies. FIFA sanctions South Africa heavily impact the group’s dynamics.
The Ruling
FIFA confirmed that South Africa breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations. As a result, the following sanctions were imposed:
- The match has been declared forfeited, with Lesotho being awarded a 3-0 victory.
- South Africa has had 3 points deducted from their qualification tally.
- SAFA must pay a fine of CHF 10,000 to FIFA.
- Teboho Mokoena, the ineligible player, has been issued a formal warning.
The decision has been communicated to the involved parties. They have ten days to request a detailed and justified ruling, and the decision is subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
Updated Group C Standings
| Position | Team | MP | W | D | Pts |
| 1 | Benin | 8 | 4 | 2 | 14 |
| 2 | South Africa | 8 | 4 | 2 | 14 |
| 3 | Nigeria | 8 | 2 | 5 | 11 |
| 4 | Rwanda | 8 | 3 | 2 | 11 |
| 5 | Lesotho | 8 | 2 | 3 | 9 |
| 6 | Zimbabwe | 8 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
The updated standings now show Benin at the top of Group C with 14 points, tied with South Africa but leading on goal difference. Nigeria and Rwanda are close behind with 11 points each, while Lesotho remains in contention with 9 points. The FIFA sanctions against South Africa have left them needing to perform well in their remaining games.
Unfortunately, Zimbabwe is at the bottom of the group with just 4 points and has already been eliminated from the race.
Nigeria Back in the Race
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been reignited by a recent ruling. The Super Eagles, who were previously six points behind, now find themselves just three points off the top. With two matches remaining, José Peseiro’s team has to secure qualification to the World Cup.
Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures in the World Cup qualifiers are crucial. The team will first face Lesotho before hosting Benin in what could be a decisive final match. Winning both games would almost certainly secure a place for the Super Eagles in the 2026 World Cup. However, even a win and a draw might be sufficient, depending on the outcomes of Benin’s matches.
What It Means for Group C
The disciplinary decision has thrown Group C wide open. Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, and Rwanda are all still firmly in the running, while Lesotho maintains an outside chance. The race for the single automatic World Cup spot could go down to the final whistle of the last matchday.
Benin has shown resilience but faces tough matches against Rwanda and Nigeria. South Africa needs to earn maximum points against Zimbabwe and Rwanda to recover from recent sanctions. FIFA sanctions South Africa add pressure as Nigeria have their destiny back in their own hands, while Rwanda could spoil the party for any of the group favourites.
What Next?
FIFA’s recent decision has changed Group C and made the qualification race more exciting. South Africa has been punished for a mistake with the FIFA sanctions, which has boosted Nigeria’s chances of qualifying. Fans from all over the continent will be eagerly watching as Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, and Rwanda compete for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
