World Cup Qualifiers: FIFA Sanction Raises Anxiety for South Africa After CAS Ruling

South African football fans are worried after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld FIFA’s punishment against Equatorial Guinea for using an ineligible player during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

FIFA had earlier docked Equatorial Guinea six points—three each from wins against Namibia and Liberia—after finding that striker Emilio Nsue was not eligible to play. Nsue had scored the winning goals in both 1-0 victories last November, but in May FIFA overturned the results and awarded 3-0 wins to their opponents.

The issue arose because Nsue never received proper clearance to switch from Spain, where he had played at youth level, to represent Equatorial Guinea. Although he has played for Equatorial Guinea for over ten years, FIFA ruled his appearances invalid. CAS confirmed that decision after Equatorial Guinea appealed.

The ruling has kept Namibia in second place in their group and in the race for the playoff round, but it has also placed fresh attention on South Africa’s own case. FIFA is currently investigating the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March. Mokoena had two yellow cards from earlier matches and should have been suspended.

If FIFA finds South Africa guilty, they could lose the three points from their win over Lesotho. That would drop them from 17 points to 14, level with Benin, while Nigeria, on 11 points, would have a chance to close the gap in the final rounds. Nigeria still have games against Lesotho away and Benin at home in Uyo.

While Namibia’s position is secured by the CAS decision, South Africa must now wait anxiously for FIFA’s final ruling.