FIFA Deducts 3 Points from South Africa in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

FIFA has officially docked South Africa three points in the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup after the team fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their March 21 clash against Lesotho in Group C.

In its statement, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that Mokoena’s participation violated Article 19 of the Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the Qualifiers Regulations. As a result, South Africa’s 2–0 win was overturned, awarding Lesotho a 3–0 victory. 

The South African Football Association was also fined 10,000 Swiss francs, while the player received an official warning.

The decision leaves South Africa on 14 points with a goal difference of +3, dropping them behind group leaders Benin, who have the same tally but a +4 difference. 

Nigeria sit third on 11 points, level with Rwanda but ahead on goal difference, while Lesotho climbed to nine points from eight matches.

Despite the setback, South Africa’s hopes remain alive, as group winners qualify directly for the World Cup. 

Hugo Broos’s side will play their final two fixtures in Durban against Zimbabwe on October 10 and Rwanda on October 13. 

Both matches are scheduled at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Zimbabwe designated as hosts due to the lack of a FIFA-approved stadium in their country.

Benin, meanwhile, face a tougher run-in with trips to Rwanda and Nigeria to close their campaign.