South Africa’s path in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers may be in jeopardy after they fielded ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena during their 2–0 win over Lesotho. Mokoena had already received two yellow cards in earlier Group C matches against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe making him automatically ineligible to feature in the Lesotho game under FIFA rules.
Should FIFA uphold the violation, South Africa could be stripped of the three points from that match, turning it into a 3–0 forfeit win for Lesotho. This outcome could dramatically shift the group’s standings potentially bringing Nigeria, currently six points behind, back into direct qualification contention.
Editorial
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We believe that integrity must guide all sporting contests particularly where the prize is as vital as World Cup qualification. If rules are breached, even by inadvertence, they must be upheld without favor, without exception.
The absence of a formal protest by Lesotho should not absolve the offending party. FIFA has a duty to act, even in the absence of external pressure. Every country knows the rules failures must be met with consequences that reinforce accountability across the board.
For Nigeria, the uncertainty hanging over Group C is untenable. The Super Eagles need clarity not just for planning, but to restore focus. This isn’t about hope or controversy; it’s about fairness. If regulations exist, they must stand firm so that qualification is earned, not negotiated.
Did You Know?
- FIFA automatically enforces a 3–0 forfeit win against teams who field ineligible players even without a formal protest.
- South Africa currently tops Group C with 13 points, five ahead of Rwanda and Benin, and six ahead of Nigeria.
- A similar breach cost Nigeria three points during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, leading to the overturning of a 1–1 draw with Algeria.
- Benin coach Gernot Rohr has publicly called for FIFA to resolve the situation immediately, expressing frustration over the lack of clarity ahead of looming fixtures.
- Lesotho’s Football Association submitted a protest to FIFA following the match, though there are unconfirmed reports that the complaint may have since been withdrawn.
