South Africa’s qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been thrown into uncertainty after a yellow-card controversy involving midfielder Teboho Mokoena, which could lead to a costly points deduction.
The issue arose during South Africa’s Matchday 5 encounter against Lesotho on March 21, 2025, where Mokoena was included in the starting lineup despite reportedly being ineligible due to accumulated yellow cards.
The midfielder had previously received bookings in the opening match against Benin and again in the following fixture against Zimbabwe.
According to FIFA regulations, any player who collects two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-match suspension.
However, Mokoena played 81 minutes against Lesotho before being substituted, a violation that could have serious consequences for Bafana Bafana.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, specifically Article 67, outlines strict penalties for fielding an ineligible player, which could include the forfeiture of points.
If FIFA confirms the infraction, South Africa may suffer a setback in their qualification bid, significantly impacting their standing in the group.
As the team prepares for a crucial match against Benin on March 25, 2025, they aim to solidify their position at the top of their group.
However, the looming threat of a points deduction could derail their World Cup ambitions and pose a major challenge for head coach Hugo Broos and his squad.
An official ruling from FIFA is expected in the coming days, and South African football authorities will be hoping for a favorable outcome to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
