Bafana given 10 days to appeal FIFA ruling before crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers

South Africa have ten days to appeal FIFA’s ruling that docked Bafana Bafana three points for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena, a sanction that has placed their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes under severe strain.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee handed down the punishment this week, declaring South Africa’s 2–0 victory over Lesotho in March forfeited as a 3–0 defeat.

The result leaves Bafana in second place in their group instead of top, with just two games remaining in the qualifying campaign. SAFA (South African Football Association) has also been fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena was issued a formal warning.

The ruling could hardly have come at a more critical moment. Hugo Broos’ side must now prepare for their final two group matches under added pressure, knowing that qualification may hinge on results elsewhere if the deduction stands.

Insiders at SAFA told AfricaSoccer.com that the association will request FIFA’s “motivated decision” within the stipulated ten-day period before filing an appeal.

Should the appeal succeed, South Africa could regain their lost points and restore their lead in the standings. If not, they will face the prospect of having to win both remaining matches to keep World Cup dreams alive.

FIFA cited breaches of Article 19 of the Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the competition regulations, saying Mokoena was suspended for the Lesotho game but played regardless.

The case highlights the high stakes of administrative oversight in elite football, with errors costing dearly both on the pitch and in the standings.

While SAFA works on its legal challenge, the team’s immediate focus remains on the decisive fixtures ahead. For South Africa, the next ten days could shape not only their qualification path but the future of their World Cup ambitions.