The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced on Monday that it has punished South Africa with a defeat for fielding a suspended player in their match against Lesotho in the fifth round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup held last March.

FIFA considered South Africa to have lost the match played on March 21 in Polokwane, which they had originally won 2-0. This caused the Bafana Bafana team to drop to second place in Group C with 14 points, behind Benin on goal difference, while Benin leads the group by 3 points ahead of third-placed Nigeria. Lesotho remained fifth with 9 points.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced that South Africa violated Article 19 of the disciplinary code by fielding midfielder Thabiso Mokoena, despite him having accumulated two yellow cards against Benin and Zimbabwe.

It added that the South African Football Association, which still has the right to appeal the decision before FIFA’s Appeal Committee, must pay a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately 10,680 euros).

The last two rounds will be held on October 10 and 14, with Benin visiting Rwanda and Nigeria, South Africa visiting Zimbabwe and hosting Rwanda, and Nigeria visiting Lesotho and hosting Benin.

The nine group winners will qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the best four runners-up will get a second chance through the playoffs.