South Africa’s 2026 World Cup hopes hit by forfeit

After being fined for fielding an ineligible player, South Africa’s chances of winning the 2026 Fifa World Cup have suffered a significant blow.

Teboho Mokoena, 28, who was due to receive a suspension after accumulating two yellow cards, did not participate in the team’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho in March.

South Africa was found to have broken competition rules by a Fifa disciplinary panel, which resulted in a 3:0 forfeit.

The national football association (Safa) has received a fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs (12, 500, £9, 340), while Mokoena has received a warning.

With the decision, Group C of the African World Cup qualifying has officially opened up, with South Africa falling behind Benin in goal difference.

Only the group winners have a chance of winning the North and Central American tournament next year.

With both of those teams now three points clear of Benin and South Africa, it also gives Nigeria and Rwanda renewed hope of making it to the finals.

Before hosting Rwanda, South Africa will travel to Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the final two rounds of qualifying, which will take place between October 10 and October.