FIFA has published its latest list of disciplinary rulings from the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers, confirming sanctions against several national teams while leaving the heated case involving South Africa unresolved.
The update, released in June 2025, sheds light on the growing disciplinary challenges in the qualifiers and raises new questions about consistency in enforcement.
Qatar warned for misconduct
According to FIFA’s ruling, Qatar received an official warning over the misconduct of its players, officials, and overall team behavior during a qualifying match.
While the sanction did not include a financial penalty, it serves as a stern reminder that disciplinary standards will be strictly enforced. The warning comes as Qatar, the host of the last World Cup in 2022, continues its push for a place in the 2026 tournament.
Indonesia cautioned on security issues
Indonesia also found itself on FIFA’s list of sanctioned nations. The Southeast Asian side was issued a warning relating to order and security lapses during a qualifier.
While no fine was imposed, FIFA’s ruling signals concern about how matches are managed off the pitch, particularly crowd control and stadium safety.
Argentina fined and player suspended
Argentina, one of world football’s giants, faced a heavier punishment earlier in the year. In January, FIFA issued a $20,000 fine and handed down a two-match suspension to a player involved in misconduct.
The sanction highlighted that even high-profile teams are not exempt from FIFA’s disciplinary framework. Despite the ruling, Argentina continues to perform strongly in the South American qualifiers.
The South Africa controversy
While these sanctions were confirmed, South Africa’s case remains under the spotlight. The Bafana Bafana are accused of fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their 2–0 victory over Lesotho in March 2025.
Mokoena had already accumulated two yellow cards in previous matches, which should have automatically ruled him out of the fixture.
The situation has stirred significant tension in CAF Group C. South Africa currently lead the group with 17 points, ahead of Benin (14 points) and Nigeria (11 points). Should FIFA enforce a three-point deduction along with a 3–0 forfeiture, South Africa’s qualification hopes could be thrown into uncertainty, potentially reshaping the group standings with only two matches left to play.
Reactions from rival teams
Benin’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, has been particularly vocal about the delay in FIFA’s decision. Following his team’s 1–0 win over Zimbabwe, Rohr criticized the governing body for failing to act swiftly.
“The rules are very, very clear. South Africa has to lose three points, and then we will only be two points behind. What are they waiting for?” he said in frustration.
Similarly, the Lesotho Football Association has formally written to FIFA, demanding an explanation and clarity on the matter. The association insists that the disciplinary code is explicit and should have been applied without hesitation.
FIFA’s silence raises questions
Despite mounting pressure from Nigeria, Benin, and Lesotho, South Africa’s name was noticeably absent from FIFA’s official list of sanctioned teams.
The omission has fueled speculation that the governing body may be reluctant to impose sanctions at this stage, perhaps awaiting further review or considering the political and sporting weight of its decision.
What comes next
With just two rounds of matches remaining in the qualifiers, the stakes could not be higher. South Africa’s potential punishment could change the balance of power in Group C, while Nigeria and Benin continue to push for decisive action.
For now, only three teams, Qatar, Indonesia, and Argentina have confirmed sanctions on FIFA’s latest list. But the unresolved South African case ensures that disciplinary battles remain as fierce as the on-field contests.