World Cup 2026 qualifiers: FIFA hands heavy sanction to South Africa

Bafana Bafana

The Cheetahs of Benin's head coach had repeatedly called for this. Now, it's official. South Africa has been sanctioned by FIFA in these 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

On Monday, September 29, South Africa was handed a forfeit loss for fielding a suspended player during their match against Lesotho last March, a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup. This was just announced by FIFA. South Africa breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by playing midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who had already accumulated two yellow cards—against Benin and then Zimbabwe—according to the football body's disciplinary committee.

By overturning their 2-0 win, earned on March 21 in Polokwane, to a 0-3 forfeit, Bafana Bafana drop to second place in Group C of the African qualifiers, trailing Benin on goal difference.

The South African Football Association, which still has the option to appeal to FIFA's appeals committee, must also pay a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (€10,680).