2026 WCQ: South Africa wait as FIFA’s three-point deduction for Equatorial Guinea stands

Equatorial Guinea’s appeal to overturn FIFA’s decision to deduct three points and three goals has been thrown out by the Court of Arbitration, CAS.

They were handed the punishment for fielding an ineligible player in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifying series.

The Central Africans defeated both Namibia and Liberia 1-0 in November 2023, but FIFA awarded their opponents technical 3-0 wins six months later, because they fielded Emilio Nsue, who scored the winner in both games.

Nsue was deemed ineligible to represent Equatorial Guinea over over a decade of playing for them.

FIFA claimed the striker never received clearance to formalise his switch from Spain, who he had represented at youth level.

After FIFA officially cleared Nsue to play for Equatorial Guinea in March this year, they decided to appeal the points deduction.

However, the ruling by CAS means that second place in the group – which could secure qualification for a continental play-off round – remains in Namibia’s hands.

This ruling will no doubt cause tension in the camp of South Africa.

In Group C of the African qualifying zone, Benin Republic will be hoping that FIFA and CAS will apply the same standard.

South Africa, who are currently top of Group C, fielded Teboho Mokoena in a match against Lesotho, despite the midfielder picking up two yellow cards in previous games.

Bafana Bafana lead with 17 points, while Benin Republic are second on 14 points.

2026 WCQ: South Africa wait as FIFA’s three-point deduction for Equatorial Guinea stands