South Africa’s World Cup Hopes Hit by Costly SAFA Error

Benni McCarthy Demands Accountability After FIFA Sanction

South African football has been rocked by a major administrative blunder that threatens to derail Bafana Bafana’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The nation’s all-time leading scorer, Benni McCarthy, has publicly demanded accountability from the South African Football Association (SAFA) after FIFA docked the national team three vital points, a decision that could have far-reaching consequences for their qualification campaign.

FIFA’s Decision: The Incident That Sparked Outrage

The controversy erupted when FIFA confirmed that South Africa had fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March 2025, despite his ineligibility due to accumulated yellow cards. Mokoena had previously received bookings in matches against Algeria and Andorra. According to FIFA regulations, these cautions triggered a one-match suspension, making him unavailable for the Lesotho fixture.

SAFA attempted to appeal the suspension, arguing that the yellow cards were collected during friendly matches and should not count towards competitive bans. However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rejected this argument, and FIFA upheld their decision on September 27, 2025. The result was severe: South Africa’s emphatic 4-0 win over Lesotho was nullified, replaced by a 3-0 defeat, and the points were awarded to Lesotho.

Impact on World Cup Qualification Campaign

This administrative error has had immediate and significant repercussions for Bafana Bafana’s World Cup hopes. The points deduction saw South Africa drop from the top of Group C, where they had 11 points, down to third place, now level on eight points with Rwanda and Benin. The setback not only diminishes their chances of automatic qualification but also places them under immense pressure in the remaining group fixtures.

In addition to the points loss, SAFA has been fined 50,000 Swiss Francs (approximately R1 million), and the association is now under investigation for the mishap. The incident has drawn criticism from fans, former players, and analysts, all questioning the competence of the football administration and the processes in place to prevent such costly errors.

Benni McCarthy’s Strong Response

Benni McCarthy, a revered figure in South African football, did not mince words in his reaction. He expressed deep frustration, stating, “If this error costs South Africa a spot at the World Cup, heads have to fly.” McCarthy’s comments reflect the anger and disappointment felt by many supporters who see this as an avoidable mistake with potentially devastating consequences for the national team’s ambitions.

McCarthy’s call for accountability has intensified the spotlight on SAFA’s leadership and administrative staff. He emphasized the importance of professionalism and attention to detail at the highest level of international football, warning that such lapses undermine the hard work of players and coaches on the pitch.

Coach Hugo Broos Shares Responsibility

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos addressed the situation candidly, admitting that the team was aware of Mokoena’s yellow cards but believed that cautions from friendly matches would not carry over to World Cup qualifiers. Broos acknowledged his share of responsibility but also pointed to the administrative team at SAFA for failing to double-check the regulations and ensure compliance.

Despite the setback, Broos remains determined to rally his squad for the remaining qualification matches. He has urged his players to use the incident as motivation, emphasizing the need for focus and resilience as they attempt to recover lost ground and keep their World Cup dream alive.

Broader Implications for South African Football

The incident has sparked a broader debate about the state of football administration in South Africa. Critics argue that such mistakes are symptomatic of deeper issues within SAFA, including inadequate communication, lack of oversight, and insufficient understanding of international regulations. There are growing calls for reforms to ensure that the association is better equipped to handle the complexities of modern football governance.

For the players and coaching staff, the focus now shifts to the pitch, where they must overcome the psychological blow of the points deduction and deliver strong performances in the remaining qualifiers. The margin for error has narrowed considerably, and every match will be crucial in determining whether Bafana Bafana can still secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What Happens Next?

SAFA has indicated that it will cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation and review its internal processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. The association faces mounting pressure to restore public confidence and demonstrate that lessons have been learned from this costly episode.

Meanwhile, the national team must regroup quickly. With the group standings now tighter than ever, Bafana Bafana’s path to the World Cup has become more challenging, but not impossible. The coming months will test the resolve of the players, coaches, and administrators alike as they seek to put this controversy behind them and focus on football.