With just months to go before the pinnacle of global soccer, the 2026 World Cup is drawing closer, and the list of qualified teams is still taking shape. However, one national team in particular faces potential setbacks in its fight for a spot in the FIFA tournament.

On Monday, FIFA stripped South Africa of its qualifying victory for the 2026 World Cup and cost the team first place in its group for fielding an ineligible player.

The disciplinary ruling overturned South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, moved Benin to the top of the group with two matchdays remaining, and gave Nigeria renewed hope of reaching the final stage.

Ahead of decisive qualifying games resuming next week, FIFA announced that its disciplinary judges ordered South Africa to forfeit the match as a 3-0 loss. On

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