On March 21, 2025, South Africa defeated Lesotho 2-0, but FIFA penalized them 3 points and gave them a 3-0 forfeit loss because they fielded a player who was not allowed to participate. This was a major development during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. After receiving too many yellow cards, midfielder Teboho Mokoena was suspended, but he continued to play outside the tournament's regulations.
South Africa's Group C points fell from 17 to 14, putting them in second place behind Benin on goal differential. Lesotho was awarded three points and won 3-0. A CHF 10,000 fine was also imposed on the South African Football Association. FIFA has given South Africa ten days to contest the decision.
This decision has increased competition in Group C and significantly improved Nigeria's prospects of making it to the World Cup.
Source: FIFA official announcement as reported by The Cable, BBC, and ESPN.