We are preparing our response - South Africa says Bafana Bafana will qualify for 2026 World Cup

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed it has received official communication from FIFA regarding an investigation into the eligibility of Teboho Mokoena during Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Mokoena, who should have been suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, was fielded in the match, a move that could now cost South Africa three points and turn their 2-0 win into a 3-0 defeat by default.

Speaking at a sponsorship event in Johannesburg on Thursday, SAFA Chief Executive Officer Lydia Monyepao confirmed the development.

“We have received communication from FIFA about the investigation they have launched in terms of the Lesotho match that Teboho Mokoena was fielded, we received it yesterday. So we’re preparing our response to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee which is ultimately required of us as an association,” she told iDiski Times.

Initially, Bafana Bafana appeared to have escaped sanctions after Lesotho failed to appeal within the required 48-hour protest window.

However, FIFA has now stepped in, citing similar precedents where nations were docked points for fielding ineligible players.

Despite the looming threat, Monyepao insisted SAFA is not panicking, stressing that World Cup qualification remains firmly within South Africa’s control.

“Look, we’re not really worried about that. I think our focus right now is to ensure Bafana Bafana gets maximum points come October, because whatever happens, whether there is docking of points or whatever, if we get six points come October, nothing else matters. It’s all about Bafana Bafana getting to the USA, Mexico and Canada in 2026.”

If the sanction is enforced, Benin could move to the top of the group on goal difference, leaving Hugo Broos’ men with extra pressure in their final fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month.