FIFA Deducts 3 Points From South Africa For Fielding Ineligible Player In World Cup Qualifiers

FIFA has penalized South Africa by overturning their 2-0 victory over Lesotho in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was ineligible because of a suspension. The result was forfeited, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 win, which caused South Africa to lose three points and a five-goal swing in goal difference, dropping them to second place in Group C. This ruling significantly impacts South Africa's qualification chances, placing Benin at the top of the group, tied on points but ahead on goal difference. In addition to the forfeiture, South Africa was fined 10,000 Swiss francs, while Mokoena received a formal warning. The decision intensifies the competition for World Cup qualification in Group C, with South Africa, Benin, Nigeria, and Rwanda all still in contention ahead of the final matches in October. South Africa has yet to publicly respond to FIFA's decision, which comes amid heightened scrutiny given the involvement of Patrice Motsepe, a FIFA vice president and South African football official.