2026 World Cup qualifiers: Update on South Africa's possible point deduction

A new update as emerged following the possibility of South Africa suffering a point deduction in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for Africa.

With the 2026 World Cup gradually taking shape as a result of the qualifiers being played by countries across the world, South Africa who are one of the favourites to qualify from Africa are currently in the news for the wrong reasons one of which involves a possible point deduction according to reports.

Mokoena had received two yellow cards during the Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Zimbabwe, rendering him ineligible for the Lesotho fixture. However, his suspension was overlooked, and his participation only came to light after the match, leaving the team vulnerable to penalties from the football governing body.

Although the team participated in the Afcon qualifiers in between, suspensions from the World Cup qualifiers remain in effect as the two tournaments are distinct. Should the deduction take place, it could severely damage Bafana Bafana’s chances of securing a spot in the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Lesotho Football Association's secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi, according to Goal.com, commented, “Was a rule violated? If so, we are entitled to protest and claim the points. We were made aware of Mokoena’s bookings and have since lodged a formal inquiry with CAF and Fifa.”

Mohapi added that Nigeria is also considering a protest, as the outcome of the match (last Friday) affected multiple teams. He stated, “If we had fielded an ineligible player and benefited, Bafana would have protested as well. The rules are clear, and Safa should have been aware of the bookings. There are no hard feelings—we simply want the points.”

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