The 2026 World Cup is lower than a yr away, marking the primary time the match will probably be hosted by three nations and expanded to 48 groups. With qualifiers underway, FIFA has sanctioned a former host nation in a ruling that might jeopardize its possibilities of making it to the competitors.
One of many confederations producing stunning outcomes is the Confederation of African Soccer (CAF), the place a number of nations are eyeing a historic first look on the world stage. Amongst them is South Africa, however the 2010 World Cup hosts now discover themselves getting ready to lacking one other world match.
On Monday, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the South African Soccer Affiliation for fielding an ineligible participant in March’s World Cup qualifier towards Lesotho. The match ended 2-0 to South Africa, however Teboho Mokoena was included within the lineup regardless of serving a one-game suspension.
Because of this, FIFA has dominated the match a 3-0 forfeit loss, stripping South Africa of three essential factors and denting its objective distinction. The federation was additionally fined 10,000 Swiss francs (about $12,500), whereas Mokoena acquired solely a warning.
Teboho Mokoena #4 of Mamelodi Sundowns FC reacts to lacking a shot on objective throughout the FIFA Membership World Cup 2025 group F match between Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Borussia Dortmund.
South Africa in peril of lacking the World Cup
The sanction dealt a serious blow to South Africa, which has now dropped behind Benin on the prime of Group C. Each groups have 14 factors from 10 matches, however Benin holds a slender benefit on objective distinction. Nigeria and Rwanda sit three factors again, retaining the group extensive open.
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As in UEFA qualifying, group winners mechanically e book their place on the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Runners-up advance to a four-team African playoff in November, whereas the remaining are eradicated.
South Africa will end qualifying in October with matches towards Zimbabwe on the tenth and Rwanda on the 14th. To maintain their hopes alive, Bafana Bafana should win each video games and hope Benin slips, or else safe a superior objective distinction to earn a direct qualification to the World Cup.
