World Cup 2026: FIFA dismisses South Africa FA’s appeal against Zwane’s three-match suspension

The South African Football Association’s (SAFA) appeal against Bafana Bafana midfielder Themba Zwane’s three-match suspension has been dismissed by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. SAFA disclosed this in a statement released on their website on Thursday.
Zwane is serving a three-match suspension he was handed by the FIFA disciplinary committee following the red card he received in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening game against tournament co-hosts Mexico last week.
“We are disappointed with the outcome of our appeal because we strongly believe that the punishment is far harsher than the offense that Themba is said to have committed,” SAFA said in a statement.
Zwane will serve his final match on the sidelines when Bafana Bafana face 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts Canada in the Last 32 in Los Angeles on Sunday, 28 June 2026.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena returns to the selection fold after serving his own one-match suspension during the game against South Korea.
Bafana Bafana will return to their base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, this morning before heading to Los Angeles, United States of America, ahead of the last 32 showdown against Canada.
Hugo Broos’ side sealed qualification into the World Cup knockout round for the first time thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win against South Korea. The win saw Bafana Bafana finish second in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico, who thrashed Czech Republic 3-0 to make it three wins from three matches.