South Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has been dealt a major blow after FIFA confirmed a three-point deduction for fielding Teboho Mokoena while he was under a yellow-card suspension against Lesotho.

The Bafana Bafana midfielder should have served a one-match ban but was included in Hugo Broos’ lineup during the crucial Group C clash. FIFA’s disciplinary ruling means South Africa lose the points gained from that fixture and slip to second place in the group, level on points with Benin but trailing on goal difference.

This decision puts added pressure on Broos’ men as they look to secure qualification in the remaining fixtures.