In a significant development that could reshape the landscape of African qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the global football governing body has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and midfielder Teboho Mokoena. The charges stem from South Africa’s decision to field Mokoena in a Group C qualifying match against Lesotho in March 2025, despite the player being ineligible due to a prior suspension. This breach of FIFA regulations has sparked intense debate, with potential consequences that could alter the trajectory of the qualification race in one of Africa’s most competitive groups.
According to a detailed report by SABC Sport, FIFA formally notified SAFA of the charges in a letter dated September 15, 2025. The letter outlined that both Mokoena and SAFA face allegations of violating several disciplinary regulations, with the primary offense being the fielding of an ineligible player. The case has been escalated to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, and SAFA has been given a tight six-day window to submit a formal response to the charges. This development has sent shockwaves through the South African football community and raised questions about the team’s prospects in the ongoing qualification campaign.
The Incident: Mokoena’s Ineligibility
At the heart of the controversy is Teboho Mokoena, a 28-year-old midfielder widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most talented players. Mokoena, a key figure in the Bafana Bafana squad, has been a linchpin in the team’s midfield, known for his versatility, work rate, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches. However, his participation in the March 2025 qualifier against Lesotho has come under scrutiny due to a suspension triggered by accumulated yellow cards.
Under FIFA’s disciplinary rules, a player who receives two yellow cards in separate matches during World Cup qualifiers is automatically suspended for one match. Mokoena had been cautioned in two earlier fixtures: one against Benin in November 2023 and another against Zimbabwe in June 2024. These bookings resulted in a mandatory one-match ban, which should have ruled him out of the Lesotho encounter. Despite this, Mokoena was named in the starting lineup and played a significant role in the match, raising questions about SAFA’s oversight and adherence to FIFA regulations.
The decision to field Mokoena appears to have been an administrative oversight, though SAFA has yet to issue a public statement clarifying the circumstances. Sources close to the association suggest that the error may have stemmed from a failure to properly track Mokoena’s disciplinary record, a mistake that could prove costly for South Africa’s World Cup aspirations.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Process and Potential Sanctions
FIFA’s response to the breach was swift and unequivocal. The organization’s disciplinary framework is designed to ensure fairness and compliance with its regulations, particularly in high-stakes competitions like World Cup qualifiers. The letter sent to SAFA on September 15 detailed the specific regulations allegedly violated, emphasizing the seriousness of fielding an ineligible player. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee, tasked with adjudicating the case, will review evidence from both sides before rendering a verdict.
If South Africa is found guilty, the consequences could be severe. According to FIFA’s standard procedures, the most likely penalty for fielding an ineligible player is a forfeiture of the match in question. In this scenario, Lesotho would be awarded a 3–0 victory by default, regardless of the actual result of the game. Such an outcome would have significant implications for the Group C standings, potentially reshaping the qualification race with only two matches remaining.
In addition to the forfeiture, SAFA and Mokoena could face further sanctions, including fines, suspensions, or other disciplinary measures. FIFA has a history of imposing hefty penalties in similar cases to deter future violations and maintain the integrity of its competitions. The six-day deadline for SAFA to respond adds urgency to the situation, as the association must now prepare a robust defense to mitigate the potential fallout.
Impact on Group C Standings
The Group C table in the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup is one of the most tightly contested, with several teams vying for the coveted top spot that guarantees direct qualification. As of September 2025, South Africa leads the group with 17 points, bolstered by a strong campaign that has seen them emerge as frontrunners. However, the potential forfeiture of the Lesotho match could drastically alter their position.
Should FIFA award Lesotho a 3–0 victory, South Africa’s point total would be reduced by three, bringing them to 14 points. This would place them level with Benin, who currently sit second in the group. Nigeria, another powerhouse in the group, would see the gap to South Africa narrow to just three points, intensifying the race for qualification. Lesotho, meanwhile, would see their point total rise from six to nine, though they would remain in fifth place, two points behind both Nigeria and Rwanda.
The ramifications of this decision extend beyond South Africa and Lesotho. Nigeria, in particular, stands to benefit from any stumble by the group leaders. With two matches remaining—against Lesotho away and Benin at home—the Super Eagles will be closely monitoring the outcome of FIFA’s disciplinary proceedings. A deduction of points for South Africa could open the door for Nigeria to seize control of the group, provided they capitalize on their upcoming fixtures.
Rwanda and Zimbabwe, the other teams in Group C, are also in the mix, though their chances of overtaking South Africa or Benin appear slimmer. Rwanda, known for their disciplined and organized play, could still play a spoiler role, particularly in their final match against South Africa. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will face Bafana Bafana in October, a fixture that could take on added significance if South Africa’s lead is diminished.
Precedent: Equatorial Guinea’s Case
The case against South Africa is not an isolated incident. FIFA has previously imposed sanctions on teams for fielding ineligible players, and the precedent set in these cases suggests that South Africa faces an uphill battle. One of the most notable recent examples is the disciplinary action taken against Equatorial Guinea during the same 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Equatorial Guinea was found guilty of fielding an ineligible player, Emilio Nsue, in their qualifiers. Nsue, a prolific striker and key figure for the national team, was deemed ineligible due to issues related to his registration and eligibility status. As a result, FIFA awarded 3–0 victories to Equatorial Guinea’s opponents in the affected matches, a decision that was later upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The ruling significantly impacted Equatorial Guinea’s standing in their group, effectively derailing their qualification hopes.
The parallels between the Equatorial Guinea case and South Africa’s situation are striking. Both cases involve high-profile players who were central to their teams’ strategies, and both hinge on administrative errors that could have been avoided with proper oversight. The Equatorial Guinea precedent suggests that FIFA is unlikely to show leniency, particularly given the importance of maintaining consistency in its disciplinary rulings.
However, SAFA may argue that the circumstances surrounding Mokoena’s ineligibility differ from those in the Equatorial Guinea case. For example, Mokoena’s suspension was due to accumulated yellow cards, a relatively common occurrence in football, whereas Nsue’s ineligibility involved more complex issues related to his nationality and registration. Whether this argument will hold sway with the FIFA Disciplinary Committee remains to be seen.
South Africa’s Qualification Campaign
South Africa’s journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana have emerged as a formidable force in African football, blending youthful exuberance with experienced leadership. Players like Mokoena, Percy Tau, and Ronwen Williams have been instrumental in the team’s success, helping them secure a commanding lead in Group C.
The match against Lesotho in March 2025 was seen as a crucial step in consolidating South Africa’s position at the top of the group. Despite the controversy surrounding Mokoena’s participation, the team performed admirably, showcasing the attacking flair and defensive solidity that have become hallmarks of Broos’ tenure. However, the disciplinary proceedings now cast a shadow over that performance, threatening to undo months of hard work.
With two matches remaining in the qualification campaign, South Africa faces a critical juncture. Their upcoming fixtures against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October will be pivotal, regardless of the outcome of the FIFA investigation. Zimbabwe, known for their physicality and resilience, will pose a stern test, particularly if South Africa’s confidence is shaken by the disciplinary proceedings. Rwanda, meanwhile, has proven to be a tough opponent, capable of frustrating even the strongest teams with their disciplined approach.
Nigeria’s Opportunity
For Nigeria, the FIFA disciplinary action against South Africa represents a golden opportunity to close the gap in Group C. The Super Eagles have had an inconsistent campaign, marked by moments of brilliance but also costly slip-ups. With matches against Lesotho and Benin looming, Nigeria will need to be at their best to capitalize on any potential points deduction for South Africa.
The away fixture against Lesotho will be particularly challenging, as the minnows have shown they can compete with the group’s heavyweights. Lesotho’s potential to gain three points from the forfeited South Africa match could boost their morale, making them a dangerous opponent. Nigeria’s home match against Benin, meanwhile, is a must-win if the Super Eagles hope to overtake South Africa and secure qualification.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) will be closely monitoring the situation, as a favorable ruling for Lesotho could significantly alter the group dynamics. Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, hinge on their ability to seize this moment and deliver consistent performances in their final two matches.
The Broader Context: African Football and World Cup Qualification
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers represent a critical moment for African football, with the continent’s representation set to increase to nine slots, up from five in previous tournaments. This expansion reflects FIFA’s commitment to providing greater opportunities for African nations to compete on the global stage, but it also intensifies the competition within the continent.
Group C, with its mix of traditional powerhouses like South Africa and Nigeria and emerging teams like Rwanda and Lesotho, exemplifies the depth and competitiveness of African football. Every point, goal, and disciplinary decision carries immense weight, as teams battle not only for qualification but also for pride and prestige.
The controversy surrounding South Africa’s fielding of Mokoena underscores the importance of administrative diligence in international football. With so much at stake, even minor oversights can have far-reaching consequences. SAFA’s response to FIFA’s charges will be closely scrutinized, as the association seeks to protect its reputation and preserve South Africa’s lead in the group.
SAFA’s Response and Next Steps
As of September 19, 2025, SAFA has not publicly commented on the disciplinary proceedings, though sources indicate that the association is working diligently to prepare its response to FIFA. The six-day deadline imposes significant pressure, as SAFA must gather evidence, consult legal experts, and formulate a defense that addresses the allegations head-on.
One potential line of argument for SAFA is that the error was unintentional and resulted from a miscommunication or oversight within the team’s administrative structure. The association may also seek to highlight Mokoena’s importance to the team and argue that his inclusion was not intended to gain an unfair advantage. However, given FIFA’s strict stance on such violations, SAFA will need to present a compelling case to avoid the harshest penalties.
In the meantime, South Africa’s players and coaching staff are focusing on their upcoming matches, determined to maintain their lead in Group C. Coach Hugo Broos, known for his pragmatic approach, is likely to rally his team and emphasize the importance of staying focused amid the off-field distractions.
Conclusion
The FIFA disciplinary proceedings against South Africa and Teboho Mokoena have added a layer of intrigue to an already fiercely contested Group C in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The potential forfeiture of the Lesotho match could upend the group standings, giving Nigeria, Benin, and other teams a chance to close the gap. As SAFA prepares its response to FIFA’s charges, the football world watches closely, aware that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the qualification campaign.
For South African fans, the situation is a bitter pill to swallow. Bafana Bafana have shown immense promise under Hugo Broos, and the prospect of losing points due to an administrative error is a frustrating setback. For Nigeria and other group rivals, the development offers hope that the race for qualification remains wide open.
As the FIFA Disciplinary Committee deliberates, the focus will soon shift back to the pitch, where South Africa, Nigeria, and their Group C counterparts will battle for a place in the 2026 World Cup. With only two matches remaining, every moment counts, and the stakes could not be higher.
