# Soccer: South Africa’s 2026 World Cup hopes have been dealt a blow after FIFA sanctioned the South African Football Assiciation for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in the match against Lesotho. The match has been forfeited, with Lesotho awarded a 3-0 victory. Safa has also been fined 200-thousand-rand, while Mokoena received a warning. The ruling cuts Bafana Bafana’s tally to 14 points, level with Benin, denting their Group C chances. Benin has a better goal difference. Safa has ten-days to appeal the decision.
Soccer: FIFA sanctions SAFA over fielding Tebogo Mokoena as World Cup hopes take a hit