South Africa forfeits World Cup 2026 qualifying match for ineligible player

South Africa’s 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification hopes have been severely impacted after they were penalized for fielding suspended player Teboho Mokoena in a match against Lesotho, resulting in a 3-0 forfeit and a fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs for the football association. This decision has caused South Africa to drop to second in Group C, complicating their path to the World Cup and giving renewed chances to Nigeria and Rwanda.

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