SAFA drops appeal against FIFA over points deduction in World Cup qualifiers

President of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Danny Jordan says his outfit will no longer challenge FIFA over points deduction during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Bafana Bafana, coached by Hugo Broos, booked their place with a convincing 3-0 victory over Rwanda on the final day of the African qualifiers last Tuesday.

The result saw South Africa finish top of their group with 18 points from 10 matches, edging out Benin and Nigeria in one of the tightest qualification races on the continent. The victory sparked widespread celebrations across Johannesburg and other major cities, as fans rejoiced at the team’s return to the global stage.

This qualification ends South Africa’s long wait since their last World Cup appearance in 2010, when they hosted the tournament. They also featured in France 1998 and Korea-Japan 2002, with their best performance being a 17th-place finish.

Prior to the final round of the qualifiers, South Africa had been docked points for fielding an unqualified player, Teboho Mokoena.

Despite the points deduction, the Bafana Bafana managed to win their final two games to confirm their place for the global showpiece, to be staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Having booked qualification, Danny Jordan insists the probe into whoever was to be responsible for Bafana Bafana’s three point bungle is now closed.

“We are going to the World Cup, so the matter is closed. We are not interested in this issue; we’ve qualified for the World Cup, and that is where we are headed,” Jordaan said, as aired on SABC News.

Their qualification comes at a time when African football is enjoying unprecedented representation. The 2026 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format of 48 teams, giving Africa nine direct slots.

For South Africa, the focus now shifts to preparation and ambition. The team’s immediate target will be to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history and make a strong impression at the tournament.