FIFA has opened an investigation into the events of the South Africa-Lesotho 2026 World Cup qualifier. The participation of Mamelodi Sundowns player Teboho Mokoena in the match against Lesotho has sparked widespread controversy.
Teboho Mokoena and the South African Football Association are accused of violating several disciplinary regulations, including fielding an ineligible player. The same reports indicate that the matter has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with the South African Football Association and Mokoena given six days to respond.
It all started last March, when Teboho Mokoena participated in South Africa’s 2-0 win against Lesotho, even though he was supposed to be serving a suspension. This error may reverse the result, with Lesotho winning 3-0 while Bafana Bafana is stripped of all three points if any wrongdoing is found.
Lesotho did not file a protest after the match and missed the 48-hour deadline. This led to speculation that South Africa was off the hook.
If Mokoena and the South African Football Association are found guilty, South Africa could be disqualified 3-0 against Lesotho, in addition to other sanctions such as fines or suspensions.
If South Africa loses three points, they will be level with Benin on 14 points in Group C, while the gap with Nigeria and Rwanda will be reduced to four points. There are two rounds remaining in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers to be played in October.
Hugo Broos’s men will then have to ensure they win their last two matches, while hoping Benin drops points. South Africa still have Zimbabwe and Rwanda to face, while Benin also faces Rwanda, but concludes its campaign with a difficult trip to Nigeria.
The winner of Group C qualifies directly for the World Cup, while the second-place team participates in a play-off to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
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