South Africa’s World Cup qualification campaign has been thrown into turmoil after FIFA confirmed it had launched disciplinary action against the country for fielding an ineligible player during a crucial qualifier in March. The case could see Bafana Bafana stripped of points, a development that would severely damage their hopes of reaching next year’s finals.

At the center of the controversy is midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who featured in South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho despite being unavailable for selection. Mokoena had already accumulated two yellow cards in the qualifiers, which automatically triggered a one-match suspension. By FIFA regulations, his appearance made him ineligible, and the match is now under review.

The South African Football Association has acknowledged the mistake but suggested that FIFA’s delay in formally opening proceedings created a sense of uncertainty, even fueling speculation that the team might avoid punishment. Coach Hugo Broos was among those who believed the issue had been quietly resolved until FIFA’s notification arrived this week.

Under FIFA’s disciplinary rules, a team that fields a suspended or otherwise ineligible player automatically forfeits the match. The offending side is handed a 3-0 defeat unless the actual result was already more damaging. In South Africa’s case, such a ruling would overturn their win and cost them valuable points.

The potential deduction would drastically alter the standings in Group C. South Africa, currently leading with 17 points, could be pulled back into a tight race with Benin, Nigeria, and Rwanda, all of whom are within striking distance. With only two qualifiers remaining—away against Zimbabwe and at home against Rwanda—the margin for error has narrowed significantly.

This is not the first time African teams have been penalized for similar infractions. In the 2018 qualifiers, Nigeria were docked after fielding Shehu Abdullahi, who was also serving a suspension. Although they forfeited the points, Nigeria had already done enough to qualify for Russia. Four years earlier, Cape Verde Islands saw their dream of reaching the 2014 World Cup collapse after they played Fernando Varela, who was ineligible at the time. Tunisia benefited from the error, taking Cape Verde’s playoff spot instead.

With history repeating itself, South Africa now face the prospect of their qualification hopes resting not only on the pitch, but also in FIFA’s disciplinary chambers.

World Cup 2026 qualifiers explained: What happens if FIFA deducts South Africa’s points? Can Nigeria still qualify?

Scenario 1: South Africa’s Potential 3-Point Deduction

South Africa faces a potential 3-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their March 2025 match against Lesotho. Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards, which should have led to a suspension. If FIFA imposes this penalty, South Africa’s points would drop from 17 to 14, leveling them with Benin and Rwanda. This would significantly alter the group standings, potentially allowing Nigeria to close the gap and improve their qualification prospects.

Scenario 2: Nigeria’s Remaining Fixtures

Nigeria’s remaining matches are crucial. They face Lesotho away and Benin at home. Winning both matches would add 6 points to their total, bringing them to 17 points. If South Africa loses points due to the potential sanction, Nigeria could move into the top two positions in the group, securing a direct qualification spot.

Scenario 3: Best Runners-Up Qualification

If Nigeria does not finish in the top two of their group, they can still qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams across all CAF groups. Currently, the standings for best third-placed teams are:

• Gabon – 19 points

• Madagascar – 16 points

• DR Congo – 16 points

  
  
  

• Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Namibia, Uganda – 15 points

• Benin – 14 points

FAQ Section

1. Why is FIFA investigating South Africa?
FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings after South Africa fielded Teboho Mokoena in their 2–0 win against Lesotho in March, despite the midfielder being suspended for accumulating two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers. Playing him violated FIFA’s disciplinary rules, sparking an investigation that could cost Bafana Bafana crucial points.

2. What punishment could South Africa face?
According to FIFA’s disciplinary code, a team that fields an ineligible player automatically forfeits the match, with a default scoreline of 3–0 against them. If applied, South Africa’s victory over Lesotho would be voided and turned into a loss, costing them three points. The deduction could significantly affect their position in Group C.

3. How would a points deduction affect Group C standings?
A three-point deduction would drag South Africa back into a tight four-way race. They would fall level with Benin, while Nigeria and Rwanda would be within striking distance. With only two qualifiers left, this ruling could completely reshape the group, making the final matchdays decisive for qualification.

4. What does this mean for Nigeria?
Nigeria’s hopes of topping Group C would improve dramatically if South Africa are docked points. The Super Eagles would still need to win their remaining games, but the margin between them and the top spot would narrow, keeping their World Cup dream alive.

5. What does this mean for Benin?
Benin stand to gain the most from South Africa’s potential slip. A deduction would put them on equal footing at the top of Group C, giving them a realistic chance of qualifying if they secure strong results in their last two matches.

6. Can South Africa still qualify if they lose points?
Yes — but their path becomes much harder. They would likely need to win both remaining games (against Zimbabwe away and Rwanda at home) and possibly rely on goal difference or head-to-head results to edge out Nigeria or Benin. The margin for error would vanish.

7. Have other African teams been punished like this before?
Yes. In the 2018 qualifiers, Nigeria forfeited a match after fielding suspended defender Shehu Abdullahi, though they still qualified for Russia as group winners. In 2014, Cape Verde Islands lost their playoff spot after fielding Fernando Varela while suspended, handing the place to Tunisia. These precedents suggest FIFA may strictly enforce the rules against South Africa.

8. When will FIFA make a final decision?
The timing has not been confirmed, but pressure is mounting for FIFA to resolve the case quickly to avoid confusion before the final two rounds of qualifiers. A ruling is expected before the last matchday to ensure sporting fairness.