2026 World Cup Qualifier: FIFA Officially Opens Investigation On South Africa Mokoena Eligibility

2026 World Cup Qualifier: FIFA Officially Opens Investigation On South Africa Mokoena Eligibility

Sampson Adedeji

FIFA has officially opened an investigation into the eligibility of South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena, after reports surfaced that he featured in a World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho while serving a suspension, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The global football governing body confirmed on Thursday that its Disciplinary Committee is looking into the incident, which occurred during the March 2025 international window.

Mokoena is alleged to have been ineligible for selection after accumulating yellow cards in previous qualifiers, triggering a one-match suspension.

The 28-year-old played the full 90 minutes in Bafana Bafana’s 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Johannesburg, a result that strengthened South Africa’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lesotho officials subsequently lodged a formal protest, arguing that the player should not have been fielded.

If FIFA rules that South Africa breached Article 55 of its Disciplinary Code by fielding an ineligible player, the points from that fixture could be awarded to Lesotho, with Bafana Bafana handed a 3-0 forfeit defeat.

Such a ruling could have a significant impact on Group G standings, where just three points separate the top four teams.

Mokoena, a key figure for both Bafana Bafana and his club Mamelodi Sundowns, has been instrumental in South Africa’s qualification campaign.

He was part of the side that won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal and has become a mainstay in Hugo Broos’ midfield.

This investigation comes at a crucial point in the qualifying series, with just four matches left before the group stage concludes in November 2025.

A disciplinary sanction could derail South Africa’s hopes of returning to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.

FIFA has not provided a timeline for when a verdict will be delivered, but disciplinary proceedings of this nature typically take several weeks.