South Africa escape points deduction in 2026 World Cup qualifiers

South African can heave a sigh of relief after escaping points deduction in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, boosting their chances of securing a spot at the mundial next year.

The Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualification chances was in limbo after reportedly fielding an unqualified player in their game against Lesotho back in March 2025.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured against Lesotho despite being suspended for the clash, sparking numerous controversies in the qualification series.

The controversy reignited after the Bafana Bafana played out a 1-1 draw with Nigeria in the September international, maintaining their top spot in Group C.

After six months of legal battle, South Africa appears to have triumphed in the unqualified player saga, boosting their chances of securing qualification to the World Cup tournament, to be staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

The world football governing body recently released a summary of disciplinary decisions from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, excluding South Africa.

Out of the 41 matches included in the report, the Bafana Bafana clash with Lesotho in March, where Teboho Mokoena featured despite being suspended was not listed.

This means FIFA will not impose any sanctions, including the possibility of awarding a technical defeat to South Africa for the Lesotho match.

South Africa remain top of Group C, leading Benin and Nigeria three and six points respectively, with two matches to end the qualification series.

The Bafana Bafana will return to action in October for the final round of qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.