*As Bafana face Czechia in ‘make or break’ second Group A clash tonight
Ahead of South Africa’s second Group A match against Czech Republic tonight in the ongoing 2026 World Cup, Bafana Bafana were dealt a big blow yesterday by FIFA as midfielder, Themba Zwane, was slammed with a three-match suspension following his red card in the 2-0 defeat by Mexico.
Zwane was dismissed in the 84th minute of Bafana’s Group A opener at the Azteca Stadium after a VAR review ruled he had raised his arm in an incident involving Mexico forward Roberto Alvarado. Although the 36-year-old initially protested his innocence, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee deemed the challenge to constitute serious foul play.
In its ruling, FIFA confirmed a “3-match suspension for breach under article 14 paragraph 1 e) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code,” adding that the decision remains subject to appeal. While a straight red card typically results in a one-match ban, officials opted to increase the punishment by two additional games due to the nature of the incident.
The decision means Zwane will miss South Africa’s remaining Group A fixtures against Czechia and South Korea, and could also be unavailable for a potential round of 32 clash should Bafana Bafana progress.
