Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Hopes Boosted as FIFA Deducts Points from South Africa

World football’s governing body, FIFA, has docked South Africa three points for fielding an ineligible player during a 2026 World Cup qualifier, a decision that boosts Nigeria’s chances of reaching the tournament.

South Africa, who had topped Group C with 17 points from eight games, drop to second place behind Benin Republic after the ruling.

FIFA said midfielder Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to play in South Africa’s match against Lesotho on March 21, 2025. As a result, Lesotho were awarded a 3-0 victory and three points.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) was fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena received a warning.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for having fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena… Consequently, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has declared the match in question to have been forfeited by the representative team of South Africa by a score of 3-0,” FIFA said in a statement.

The decision leaves Group C finely poised ahead of the final two rounds of fixtures. Nigeria, who face Lesotho and Benin in October, remain in contention alongside Benin, South Africa, and Rwanda.

South Africa will finish their campaign against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.