South Africa’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken a major hit after FIFA punished the team for fielding an ineligible player.

Teboho Mokoena, who was meant to serve a suspension after picking up two yellow cards, played in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in March.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled the match a breach of competition rules, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory by forfeit.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) was also fined 10,000 Swiss Francs ($12,500/£9,340), and Mokoena received a formal warning.

The sanction reshapes Group C of the African qualifiers, with South Africa dropping from first to second place on goal difference, allowing Benin to move to the top of the table.

The ruling breathes new life into Nigeria and Rwanda’s qualification hopes, as both sides are now just three points behind Benin and South Africa. The group’s final matches will see Benin face Rwanda and Nigeria in October, while South Africa play away to Zimbabwe before hosting Rwanda.

SAFA has 10 days to appeal FIFA’s decision.