South Africa have forfeited a 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player, world football governing body FIFA announced on Monday.

South Africa's 2-0 victory on March 21 in Polokwane has been replaced with a 3-0 defeat meaning they drop to second place in Group C of the African qualifiers, behind Benin on goal difference, while Lesotho remain fifth.

South Africa violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by playing Teboho Mokoena after the midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards against Benin and then Zimbabwe, the football body's disciplinary committee said.

The South African FA, which can still appeal the decision, must also pay a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs ($12,536).

Nigeria gets lifeline

The ruling offers a lifeline to Nigeria who move back to within three points of the top two going into the final two rounds of qualifiers next month.

Only the nine group winners qualify automatically for next year's World Cup. The four best runners-up will go into play-offs which could grant Africa a 10th spot in the finals.