FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has rejected South Africa's appeal against the three-match suspension handed to Bafana Bafana midfielder Themba Zwane, dealing a further blow to the side ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Last 32 clash with Canada.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed the outcome in an official statement published on Thursday, expressing clear frustration at the ruling.

"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.

Zwane's suspension stems from a red card he received during Bafana Bafana's opening FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match against co-hosts Mexico. FIFA's disciplinary committee issued the three-game ban in the wake of that sending-off.

Zwane to miss Canada showdown

Bafana Bafana face co-hosts Canada in the Last 32 in Los Angeles on Sunday, 28 June 2026 — and Zwane will sit out that match as the third and final game of his suspension.

There is, however, a boost in midfield: Teboho Mokoena returns to the squad having served his own one-match ban during the South Korea fixture.

Historic knockout qualification

The squad are travelling back to their base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, before making the onward journey to Los Angeles ahead of the knockout tie.

Bafana Bafana secured their place in the Last 32 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea — a result that marks the first time in history the team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup knockout round.

That win placed Hugo Broos's side second in Group A, behind co-hosts Mexico, who swept aside Czech Republic 3-0 to claim a perfect three wins from three matches.