World Cup
FIFA’s Silence on Bafana Bafana Eligibility Row Risks Undermining World Cup Integrity
By KUNLE SOLAJA.
The silence from FIFA over South Africa’s use of an ineligible player against Lesotho in June’s World Cup qualifier has created a storm of speculation and tension in Group C.
With disciplinary decisions from that match window already released, the absence of any ruling on the Bafana Bafana case is being interpreted in some South African circles as a sign that the team may have escaped sanction.
Local analysis in South African media suggests that Lesotho’s failure to lodge a formal protest within 24 hours may have weakened its case.
Yet, FIFA’s history shows that the governing body has not always relied on formal protests before taking action.
One precedent stands out. In 2018, Nigeria were punished for fielding Shehu Abdullahi in a qualifier against Algeria, even though Algeria had not filed any complaint.
The 1-1 draw was overturned, and Nigeria forfeited the match. Similarly, in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, several African teams were sanctioned for eligibility breaches: Equatorial Guinea and Cape Verde were both punished, with Cape Verde even disqualified from the play-offs after using an ineligible player against Tunisia.
Ethiopia also fell foul of the rules, while countries including Mali, Zambia, Morocco, Burkina Faso and Senegal were fined or warned for other forms of misconduct.
South Africa themselves are no strangers to FIFA sanctions. Defender Erick Mathoho once received an increased suspension and a fine for misconduct during the qualifiers.
Given this track record, the question is why FIFA has delayed its decision this time. Typically, eligibility cases are resolved before the next round of fixtures to avoid distorting the competition and undermining match integrity.
With crucial qualifiers looming this week, the lack of clarity risks undermining both the integrity of the tournament and the confidence of the competing teams.
For now, Bafana Bafana’s fate hangs in the balance—between South African optimism and the weight of FIFA’s precedents. The governing body’s eventual decision could yet reshape Group C.
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The following is a list of teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
UNITED STATES
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Third place (1930)
MEXICO:
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Quarter-finals (1970, 1986)
CANADA:
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Group stage (1986, 2022)
JAPAN
Qualified on March, 20.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)
NEW ZEALAND
Qualified on March, 24.
Best performance: Group stage (1982, 2010)
IRAN
Qualified on March, 25.
Best performance: Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022)
ARGENTINA
Qualified on March, 25.
Best performance: Winners (1978, 1986, 2022)
UZBEKISTAN
Qualified on June, 5.
Best performance: Never previously qualified.
SOUTH KOREA
Qualified June, 5.
Best performance: Fourth place (2002)
JORDAN
Qualified June, 5.
Best performance: Never previously qualified.
AUSTRALIA
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006, 2022)
BRAZIL
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
ECUADOR
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006)
URUGUAY
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Winners (1930, 1950)
COLOMBIA
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2014)
PARAGUAY
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2010)
MOROCCO
Qualified September, 5.
Best performance: Semi-finals (2022)
TUNISIA
Qualified September, 8.
Best performance: Group Stage (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022)
EGYPT
Qualified October, 8.
Best performance: Round of 16 (1934)
-Reuters
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Egypt became the third African country to book a berth at next year’s World Cup finals with an easy 3-0 win over Djibouti in Casablanca on Wednesday that secured them top place in Group A with one game remaining.
Egypt, who have competed at three previous World Cups, join fellow north African nations Morocco and Tunisia at the 2026 tournament in North America.
-Reuters
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Russia-based forward Olakunle Olusegun is still awaiting an entry visa to South Africa, creating the possibility that Nigeria may prosecute the encounter with only 21 available players.
Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle will have a total of 20 players available for Wednesday’s second training session, as the Super Eagles intensify preparations for the tie against the Crocodiles.
By Tuesday night, 18 players had checked into the team’s camp at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane, with Portugal-based defender Zaidu Sanusi and Spain-based forward Jerome Akor Adams expected to join on Wednesday. United States-based midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi is due to arrive on Thursday.
Chelle has had to adjust his squad following injuries to Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers, prompting the late inclusion of Zaidu Sanusi and Christantus Uche of Crystal Palace. Earlier, a knock to wing-back Felix Agu had reduced the initial 23-man roster to 22.
Team captain William Ekong lacing his boots for training in Polokwane on Tuesday
Friday’s Matchday 9 fixture will kick off at 6pm South Africa time (5pm Nigeria time) at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, as the Super Eagles aim to strengthen their position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race.
21 SUPER EAGLES TO BATTLE LESOTHO IN POLOKWANE
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
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