South Africa punished for ineligible line-up, WC hopes dented | OneFootball

The South African national team was penalized with a defeat for fielding a suspended player in the match against Lesotho in March, during the African Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, FIFA announced this Monday (29).

Thus, the 2-0 victory in the city of Polokwane on March 21 is turned into a 3-0 defeat, which complicates South Africa’s chances in the fight for a spot in next year’s World Cup.

With the loss of three points, the ‘Bafana Bafana’ drop to second place in Group C of the Qualifiers, overtaken on goal difference by Benin. Lesotho remains in fifth (9 points).

Official statement from FIFA. (Photo: Reproduction / FIFA)

South Africa violated Article 19 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code by fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards against Benin and Zimbabwe.

The South African Football Association (SAFA), which can appeal, will also have to pay a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (about R$ 67,000 at the current exchange rate).

The punishment renews Nigeria’s hopes, as with 11 points they are now three behind Benin and South Africa (both with 14), with two rounds remaining to determine the groups in the African Qualifiers, which will be played in October.

Only the teams that finish first in the nine groups of the competition will secure a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup.

The four best runners-up will play a playoff, and the winner will go to an intercontinental playoff against teams from other continents.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.