2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Zimbabwe to host South Africa at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has explained why they chose Moses Mabhida Stadium as the venue to play Bafana Bafana in the next round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled for October.

ZIFA has announced that Zimbabwe’s game against South Africa will be played in Durban in the Matchday 9 games.

Zimbabwe are still without a CAF- and FIFA-approved stadium to host home matches and have therefore been using alternative venues in South Africa for their previous qualifiers.

Nevertheless, ZIFA has now explained why they opted to stage the match against Hugo Broos’ side in KwaZulu-Natal.

A statement on their official website reads: “The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) wishes to inform fans that the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa on 10 October will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa.

“Originally, ZIFA had planned to host the match in Francistown, Botswana, but the venue became unavailable due Botswana’s need to use the same stadium. After assessing alternatives across the region, only two suitable venues in South Africa remained: Orlando Stadium and Moses Mabhida Stadium. Taking into account logistics, cost, facilities, and fan safety, ZIFA chose Moses Mabhida Stadium to give the Warriors the best possible environment to compete.

“We understand the disappointment of not playing at home, but we urge all Zimbabweans to unite and rally behind the Warriors as they take on South Africa in this crucial World Cup qualifier.”

After the game against South Africa, Zimbabwe will be hosted by Lesotho in the final round of games.