South Africa Confident of World Cup Qualification Despite FIFA Sanction Threat

By Ugbede James

Despite the looming threat of a FIFA imposed three-point deduction, South Africa’s national team coach, Hugo Broos, remains confident that Bafana Bafana will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from Group C.

South Africa currently leads the group with 13 points, while Rwanda and the Benin Republic follow with eight points each. Nigeria, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe trail with seven, six, and four points, respectively.

Nigeria must win all its remaining group matches including a crucial clash against South Africa in Pretoria on September 8 to stand a chance of qualifying. That match, which could have been of lesser importance, may now become the group decider if FIFA acts on the eligibility controversy involving South Africa.

South Africa fielded Teboho Mokwena, an allegedly ineligible player, during their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March. If FIFA enforces its standard rules, the match could be awarded to Lesotho, and South Africa would lose three points. That would significantly reshape the Group C standings, placing them just two points ahead of Rwanda, Benin, and Nigeria with two matches remaining.

Although Lesotho failed to file a formal protest within the 24-hour deadline, FIFA retains the authority to penalize the infraction regardless of complaints, as seen in past decisions such as when Nigeria lost points for fielding an ineligible player, Shehu Abdullahi, during a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

Still, Broos appears unfazed by the controversy, focusing instead on the emergence of fresh talent during recent friendly matches. South Africa drew 0-0 with Tanzania and secured a 2-0 win over Mozambique, despite missing several key players from Mamelodi Sundowns, who are preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup, and others who were rested.

“Everything is positive about the past few days,” Broos said. “This will make my job difficult in September. We’ve used 23 players now, but there are maybe another 23 at their clubs or resting. That gives us a pool of 40 players to choose from.”

He acknowledged the challenge of trimming his squad but believes competition for spots will raise team performance: “Players will be more motivated knowing others are waiting to take their place. This will certainly elevate the level.”

South Africa will regroup in September for their final Group C matchesagainst Lesotho and Nigeria which will ultimately determine their World Cup fate.