South Africa have strengthened their grip at the top of Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers, securing a 2-0 victory over Benin Republic in Abidjan on Tuesday. However, the team’s campaign has been clouded by a potential three-point deduction due to fielding an ineligible player in their previous match against Lesotho.
Second-half goals from Burnley forward, Lyle Foster, and Jayden Adams sealed victory for Hugo Broos’ side, who now hold a five-point lead in the group standings. The win comes amid concerns that FIFA could dock them points for using Teboho Mokoena, a player who had accumulated two yellow cards before the Lesotho fixture.
Mokoena’s Eligibility Under Scrutiny
Mokoena, a Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, was first cautioned during South Africa’s 2-1 victory over Benin in November 2023 and received another yellow card in the 3-1 win over Zimbabwe in June 2024. Despite these bookings, he was included in the starting lineup against Lesotho and played 82 minutes before being substituted for Thalente Mbatha.
According to FIFA’s World Cup qualifying regulations, a player who accumulates two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-match suspension in the following game.
“If players or team officials receive two cautions in one match (or in two different matches of the competition), they will be automatically suspended from their team’s subsequent match,” FIFA states in its rulebook.
Possible Consequences for South Africa
With FIFA’s regulations in play, South Africa risk forfeiting their 2-0 victory over Lesotho, which could have significant implications on the Group C standings. Should Lesotho or Nigeria—who are currently four points behind South Africa—lodge a successful protest within the stipulated timeframe, the outcome of the Lesotho match could be overturned.
FIFA’s rules specify that protests regarding player eligibility must be submitted to the FIFA Match Commissioner within two hours after the match, followed by a formal written report to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee within 24 hours. Failure to meet these deadlines would result in the protest being disregarded.
If FIFA upholds a protest, Lesotho, currently fifth with five points, could be awarded three points, taking them to eight points in the standings. Nigeria, depending on their results from Tuesday’s fixtures, could overtake South Africa and seize control of the group.
South Africa Hold Firm at the Top
Despite the looming uncertainty, South Africa’s 13 points from six matches put them in a strong position in Group C, with a five-point lead over second-placed Rwanda and third-placed Benin Republic. However, their World Cup qualification campaign now hinges on FIFA’s ruling on the Mokoena controversy.
The next few days could prove decisive in determining whether South Africa’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains smooth or if they will be forced to fight for qualification following a setback.
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