2026 WCQ: FIFA Deducts Points from South Africa, Super Eagles’ Hopes Revived

FIFA has officially deducted three points from South Africa in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a decision that has dramatically reshaped the race for qualification in Group C.

The world football governing body confirmed on Monday that Bafana Bafana were sanctioned for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their March clash against Lesotho.

As a result, South Africa have also seen three goals deducted from their tally and were fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena himself was issued with a warning. The match has been declared forfeited, with Lesotho awarded a 3-0 victory.

This development sees Hugo Broos’ men drop from first to second place in the group, handing top spot to Benin Republic. With Nigeria in third, the standings have been thrown wide open ahead of the final round of fixtures in October.

South Africa must now face Zimbabwe and Rwanda, while Benin will take on Rwanda and Nigeria. The Super Eagles, who were previously at risk of missing out, now find themselves back in contention with matches against Lesotho and Benin still to come.

Opinion: A Twist of Fate That Could Change Everything

For Nigerian fans, this FIFA decision feels like a lifeline. The Super Eagles have stumbled at key moments during this qualification campaign, but destiny may now be offering them a second chance. With just two games left, José Peseiro’s men must see this as an opportunity to seize control of their future.

For South Africa, however, this is a bitter pill to swallow. After working their way to the summit of the group, an administrative blunder has undone months of effort and placed them in a precarious position. Football, after all, is not only about what happens on the pitch but also about discipline, precision, and attention to detail off it.

As the final round approaches, one thing is certain: Group C has become one of the most dramatic and unpredictable pools in the entire African qualifiers. For Nigeria, South Africa, and Benin, the margin for error has disappeared. Every kick, every tackle, every goal in October will carry the weight of a nation’s World Cup dreams.