Group C has been blown wide open after FIFA docked Bafana Bafana three points and three goals for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena while he was under suspension.

The 28-year-old, who should have sat out the March 21 clash against Lesotho due to card accumulation, played in South Africa’s 2-0 victory, a decision that has now backfired months later.

In a statement, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee confirmed that the South African Football Association (SAFA) breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations by fielding an ineligible player.

 “Consequently, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has declared the match in question to have been forfeited by the representative team of South Africa by a score of 3-0. SAFA has also been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 to FIFA, while Teboho Mokoena has been issued with a warning."

The ruling pushes Bafana Bafana from first to second in Group C, leaving them on 14 points. South Africa will now have to navigate must-win fixtures against Zimbabwe and Rwanda to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Meanwhile, Benin still face Rwanda and third-placed Nigeria in their final two matches, while the Super Eagles close their campaign against Lesotho and Benin in October.

With just two games to play, the punishment has dramatically opened up the group, with South Africa, Benin, Nigeria, and Rwanda all in contention for the single automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup in North America.