South Africa was deducted three points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for fielding an ineligible player, a decision that significantly impacted their chances of reaching next year’s finals.

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced on Monday that the disciplinary committee found South Africa guilty of fielding midfielder Thabiso Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho last March, despite him being suspended due to two previous yellow cards in earlier Group C matches.

Lesotho was awarded a 3-0 victory, and South Africa had three points deducted.

After losing these points, South Africa also lost the top spot in Group C and fell behind Benin on goal difference, with both teams tied at 14 points each.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying have been revived as they sit third in Group C with 11 points, while Lesotho remains fifth with almost no chance of qualifying for the World Cup.

Two rounds remain in the qualifiers, with the Group C leader qualifying directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the runner-up will have a chance to compete in the playoff.