Official: ZIFA Confirms Durban as Venue for Warriors’ World Cup Qualifier Against South Africa

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has officially confirmed the Warriors’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa will take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

The Group C encounter is scheduled for Friday, 10 October 2025, with kick-off set for 1500hrs CAT.

Last week, reports suggested ZIFA had chosen Francistown, Botswana as the venue in a bid to avoid giving Bafana Bafana the benefit of familiar surroundings.

The governing body has now clarified that the World Cup qualifier will remain in South Africa, where Zimbabwe have hosted their “home” fixtures since FIFA declared local stadiums unfit for international use.

The Warriors previously played at Johannesburg’s Orlando Stadium and at Moses Mabhida during the campaign.

The latest decision ensures continuity but is likely to reignite debate among supporters who hoped for a neutral venue closer to home.

Zimbabwe have already crashed out of World Cup contention with just four points from eight matches.

But could still play a decisive role in shaping the group.

South Africa lead the standings by three points ahead of Benin.

However, Hugo Broos’ side faces uncertainty amid a FIFA investigation into the eligibility of midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

For ZIFA, the priority now turns to logistics and mobilising Zimbabwean supporters in Durban, where a strong turnout could offset the home advantage for Bafana Bafana.