Nigeria’s chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been boosted after South Africa was docked three points for fielding an ineligible player in qualifying.
FIFA confirmed on Monday that its disciplinary committee overturned South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho in March, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 win by forfeit. The ruling drops South Africa from first place in the group and elevates Benin to top spot with just two matches remaining.
The decision rekindles Nigeria’s hopes of securing automatic qualification, as only the group winner on October 14 will advance directly to the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA’s Ruling
FIFA’s ruling came after South Africa fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena, despite his being suspended for accumulating two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers. The disciplinary judges ordered South Africa to forfeit the match, fined its football federation 10,000 Swiss francs ($12,500), and issued a formal warning to Mokoena.
The sanction has also proved embarrassing for South African football, as the country’s top official, Patrice Motsepe—president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and a FIFA vice president—owns Mokoena’s club, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group Standings Impact
The ruling has major implications for Group C.
- South Africa now sits behind Benin, which holds a narrow advantage on goal difference.
- Both sides are three points clear of Nigeria and Rwanda, who remain in contention.
- With a negative five-goal swing in their goal difference, South Africa faces an uphill battle.
Remaining Fixtures
The qualifying campaign concludes in October:
- South Africa plays Zimbabwe on October 10 (in Durban, as Zimbabwe lacks an eligible stadium) and Rwanda on October 14.
- Benin visits Rwanda on October 10 and faces Nigeria away on October 14.
- Nigeria, seeking a seventh World Cup appearance and first since 2018, will play Lesotho and then host Benin.
The group runner-up could still qualify by advancing to a four-team playoff in November. The winner would then move on to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026, to be staged in North America.
