South Africa’s points deduction blows Group C wide open in World Cup qualifiers
The 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers have taken a dramatic twist in Group C after South Africa were docked three points for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 win over Lesotho.
The ruling, confirmed by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, has reshaped Group C and thrown the qualification race into chaos, inviting Nigeria who initially looked out of sight into the race.
The decision hands Lesotho a 3-0 victory on paper and reduces South Africa’s points tally from 17 to 14, leaving them level with Benin Republic with just two rounds of fixtures left to play.
Once clear group leaders, Bafana Bafana must now fight to reclaim their position with automatic qualification to the United States, Canada, and Mexico on the line.
The sanction stems from the inclusion of midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who should have been suspended after accumulating two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers. While Mokoena has been handed a warning, the South African Football Association (SAFA) must pay a fine of CHF 10,000 for the regulatory breach.
The impact of the ruling extends far beyond the punishment itself. Lesotho, awarded three points from the forfeit, now have a lifeline in a group that had previously looked out of reach for them. Benin, meanwhile, see their qualification hopes revived as they now sit neck-and-neck with South Africa.
With two matches remaining, Group C is suddenly one of the most unpredictable in the African qualifiers. South Africa’s slip has not only cost them their cushion at the top but has given fresh momentum to their rivals.
For Bafana Bafana, the pressure is immense. Having been tipped as favourites to book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, they must now prove their resilience under the toughest of circumstances, knowing any further misstep could end their campaign.