South Africa is feeling undeterred despite the latest pressure from FIFA that could see Bafana Bafana lose three crucial points in the World Cup qualifiers.
Hugo Broos’ men are feeling the heat from FIFA after receiving official communications from the world football governing body, as investigations have started on the ineligibility player claim against Teboho Mokoena.
Despite the pressure looming on their World Cup chances, the South African Football Association (SAFA) says Bafana Bafana’s focus is locked on the pitch, not the boardroom, per ESPN.
Teboho Mokoena played against Lesotho
The controversy began after Mokoena started in the June qualifier against Lesotho while serving a suspension for two yellow cards.
The match ended in a 2-0 win, and those three points added to what is keeping Hugo Broos’ men top of Group C with 17 points.
If FIFA rules against South Africa, the result could be overturned to a 3-0 loss, and this would drop Bafana Bafana to 14 points, level with Benin, turning the group into a nail-biter heading into the final rounds of matches.
South Africa risks a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible Player in their game against Lesotho.
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) March 25, 2025
Teboho Mokoena had two yellow cards in two games against Benin and Zimbabwe.
South Africa are currently at the top of Group C in the FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers. pic.twitter.com/HQ1A9d4SP9
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao confirmed FIFA’s involvement but stressed that the team remains focused on finishing the job and picking their World Cup ticket.
SAFA sends clear message to Nigeria and FIFA
With Nigeria breathing down FIFA’s necks to deduct three points from South Africa, SAFA has made it clear that Bafana Bafana’s fate is still in their own hands, FAR Post reports.
“We are not really worrying about that. I think our focus is on making sure that Bafana get maximum points in October,” SAFA CEO Monyepao revealed.
“Whatever happens, whatever you are saying out there, if we get six points in October, nothing else is going to matter. So, it’s all about Bafana getting to the USA, Mexico, and Canada World Cup.”
To secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup, Bafana Bafana will need to earn maximum points from their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
A strong performance in these games is crucial to ensure their place in the tournament, regardless of FIFA’s final decision.
Must-win games ahead for South Africa
The path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup now depends on how Bafana Bafana handle their last two matches, with Zimbabwe and Rwanda standing between them and a ticket to North America.
Hugo Broos will be under pressure to get his strongest squad firing because any slip-up could see Nigeria or Benin take advantage and push South Africa out of the automatic qualification spot.
