The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been thrown wide open after world football governing body, FIFA, slammed South Africa with heavy sanctions for fielding an ineligible player.
In a dramatic ruling announced on Monday, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee declared that Bafana Bafana breached competition rules by featuring midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their Group C clash against Lesotho on March 21, 2025.
As punishment, South Africa have forfeited the game, with Lesotho handed a 3–0 victory. The ruling slashes Bafana Bafana’s lead at the top of the group from 17 points to 14, shaking up the qualification table.
The shock decision has reignited Nigeria’s World Cup hopes. The Super Eagles, currently in third place, now sit just three points behind South Africa with two matches still to play — setting the stage for a nail-biting finale to the qualifiers.