South Africa’s FIFA Sanction Alters Group C Dynamics Ahead Of Crucial Qualifiers

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has ruled on South Africa’s violation of fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. As a result, South Africa has been deducted three points and has also lost a goal difference of minus three.

With South Africa’s point deduction, the race for top position in Group C has now been opened up. Benin has moved to the top of the group with 14 points and a +4 goal difference, while South Africa drops to second place, also on 14 points but with a +3 goal difference.

Meanwhile, Nigeria sits third with 11 points and a +2 goal difference.