2026 W/Cup Qualifiers: Zimbabwe to Host South Africa match in Moses Mabhida Stadium
Zimbabwe national team, the Warriors. Photo Credit- Pulse sports
The Zimbabwe Football Association- ZIFA has confirmed that their crucial penultimate Group C FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on October 10. This venue switch, announced via an official statement on ZIFA’s website, marks yet another instance of the Warriors playing “home” games abroad due to an ongoing FIFA ban imposed on Zimbabwean stadiums over inadequate safety standards. The decision follows ZIFA’s earlier exploration of hosting the fixture in Botswana, which fell through owing to the unavailability of the Francistown Sports Complex.
The arrangement amplifies the logistical challenges facing Zimbabwe in their bid to revive their international football fortunes. Having already utilized South African venues for previous qualifiers, including Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg and Moses Mabhida for an earlier clash, the Warriors will once again rely on neighboring infrastructure to fulfill their obligations. ZIFA’s statement emphasized the need for fan support, urging supporters to travel to Durban for what they described as a “pivotal encounter.” This setup effectively turns the match into a near-home game for Bafana Bafana, amplifying the pressure on the already struggling Zimbabwean side, who sit rock-bottom of Group C with just four points from eight matches.
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For South Africa, the fixture represents a golden opportunity to consolidate their stranglehold on the group. Currently topping the standings with 17 points, three clear of Benin and six ahead of Nigeria, Bafana Bafana stand on the brink of securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The Durban venue means they will have contested seven of their ten qualifiers on home soil, including this one and an upcoming tie against Lesotho. However, a cloud of uncertainty looms over the team following a FIFA probe into midfielder Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility; the 28-year-old was allegedly fielded while under suspension, which could result in a points deduction and a 3-0 forfeit loss if upheld.
Zimbabwe’s campaign has been a tale of woe, compounded by their venue woes and on-field inconsistencies. The recent 1-0 defeat to Rwanda’s Amavubi, who leapfrogged Nigeria into second place, has all but ended their qualification hopes, rendering the South Africa match a mere formality. Coach Michael Nees’ side has managed just one win in the group, highlighting deeper structural issues within ZIFA that extend beyond stadium bans. Meanwhile, the broader African qualification picture intensifies, with Nigeria still mathematically alive but facing a daunting run-in against Lesotho away and Benin at home.
As the October international window approaches, this cross-border “home” fixture adds a layer of intrigue to the race for AFCON and World Cup spots. South Africa’s potential to wrap up qualification in front of a partisan Durban crowd could propel them into the global showpiece for the first time since 2010, while Zimbabwe’s plight serves as a clear reminder of the governance hurdles plaguing some African football nations. Fans on both sides are called to rally, with ZIFA promising affordable travel packages to encourage attendance in Durban.
