World Cup Qualifiers: South Africa to lose 3 points, 3 goals for fielding ineligible player against Lesotho

FIFA will award three points and three goals to Lesotho following South Africa's 2-0 win in their 2026 World Cup qualifier match, after South Africa fielded an ineligible player, Theboho Mokoena.

Mokoena was meant to serve a suspension after receiving two yellow cards in previous matches, against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe, yet he played in the match in Polokwane.

As a result, South Africa forfeits the three points from the game and is also penalized with the addition of three goals for Lesotho.

Despite Lesotho initially filing a complaint with FIFA over the matter, rumors suggest the complaint may have been withdrawn.

Nigerian football lawyer Jonas Michael shared a similar experience, recalling that Nigeria suffered the same penalty in 2018 after fielding an ineligible player, Shehu Abdullahi, in a dead rubber World Cup qualifier against Algeria. FIFA awarded Algeria three points and three goals in accordance with the rules, even though Algeria did not file a protest.

Michael explained that the rules are clear, stating, “If you’re South African, just deduct three points from your team’s tally. I expect people from Lesotho to do the same. There’s no need for a protest or a specific time to lodge one. FIFA’s decision follows the established rules, and the punishment is clear.”

He also responded to claims in South Africa that technicalities might work in their favor, saying, “That’s not true. South Africa has lost those points, and they’ll be deducted three goals. A fine is likely to follow as well.”

This ruling has reshaped the group standings, leaving the race to qualify for the World Cup wide open. Zimbabwe, now at the bottom, is just four points behind South Africa, who remain at the top with four matches remaining.

The Group C contains Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho.

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana remain unbeaten in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, marking a strong return to international prominence and fueling ambitions to build on their recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) performance. Under the leadership of coach Hugo Broos, the national team is poised for a potential resurgence on the continental stage.