FIFA Deducts Three Points From South Africa in World Cup Qualifiers

FIFA has deducted three points from South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign after the country fielded an ineligible player in March.

According to The Vanguard report on Monday, September 29, 2025, midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured in South Africa’s match against Lesotho on March 21 despite being suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards. Following a review, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee awarded Lesotho a 3–0 win, stripped South Africa of the three points, and imposed a fine of CHF 10,000 on the South African Football Association.

The sanction has reshaped Group C standings. Benin Republic now leads the group with 14 points, level with South Africa but ahead on goal difference. Nigeria and Rwanda follow closely on 11 points each, while Lesotho moves up to 9 points. Zimbabwe remains bottom with 4 points.

Two matchdays remain. On October 10, Benin will face Rwanda away, Nigeria will meet Lesotho, and South Africa will host Zimbabwe. The final round on October 14 will see Benin travel to Nigeria, while South Africa plays Rwanda in Johannesburg.

Only the group winner will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.