Botswana will host Somalia on Tuesday, March 25, in the sixth round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with both teams looking to change their fortunes in Group G.
The Zebras aim to get their campaign back on track, while Somalia is hoping for a historic first-ever victory in the competition.
Botswana Looking to End Winless Streak
The match will take place at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana’s second-largest city.
The hosts are struggling for form, having failed to win any of their last three matches across all competitions.
Their most recent outing ended in a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Algeria on March 21, further denting their qualification hopes.
Before that, they registered two consecutive draws, leaving them with little margin for error as they push for a positive result against Somalia.
Despite their recent struggles, Botswana will be confident of securing a win against a Somali side that has yet to record a victory in this qualification campaign.
With home advantage and experience on their side, the Zebras will be keen to capitalize on Somalia’s vulnerabilities.
Somalia Targeting a Breakthrough Victory
Somalia enters the match with an unenviable record, having gone 16 games without a win in all competitions.
However, they made history in their previous fixture by earning their first-ever World Cup qualifying point after holding Guinea to a goalless draw on March 21.
That result will provide a much-needed confidence boost for the Ocean Stars as they now set their sights on an even bigger achievement—a maiden victory at this stage of the competition.
Sitting at the bottom of Group G, Somalia remains an outsider in the qualification race, but a win against Botswana could shift momentum in their favor.
Their defensive resilience against Guinea proved that they are capable of frustrating stronger opponents, and they will hope to replicate that performance while finding a way to break through Botswana’s backline.
Crucial Clash for Both Sides
With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, this fixture presents a crucial opportunity for both teams.
Botswana must return to winning ways if they are to keep their slim hopes of advancing alive, while Somalia will view this match as a chance to make history.
The stakes are high, and with both sides desperate for a result, an intense battle is expected in Francistown.
