Zimbabwe has opted to host their 2026 World Cup qualifying match against South Africa in Rwanda, shifting the fixture from their previous home venue in South Africa.
Due to a FIFA ban preventing Zimbabwe from hosting international matches—citing inadequate stadium standards—the team has been using South Africa as their temporary base. However, in a strategic move aimed at boosting their qualification chances, Zimbabwe will now take on South Africa in Kigali on October 5.
Ahead of that clash, Zimbabwe is scheduled to face Benin Republic in Abidjan on September 1 and then host Rwanda in South Africa on September 5.
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Despite sitting at the bottom of Group C with five points, the Warriors remain determined to fight for a spot in the 2026 tournament, set to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Their confidence has been bolstered by a recent 1-1 draw against Nigeria in Uyo.
Group leaders South Africa are currently on 13 points, followed by Rwanda and Benin Republic with eight points each. Nigeria trails with seven, while Lesotho and Zimbabwe have six and five points respectively.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved Zimbabwe’s venue change for the October 5 fixture. The decision is part of Zimbabwe’s effort to gain a potential edge against South Africa, whose performance will also be critical to Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
South Africa’s remaining matches include a trip to Lesotho on September 1, a home game against Nigeria on September 5, and their final two fixtures against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
Only the top team in each group qualifies automatically for the World Cup, while the best-performing second-placed teams will enter a play-off for a chance at an intercontinental play-off spot.