Zimbabwe is considering to host their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in one of South Africa’s top stadiums, it has emerged.
The country was left without a CAF-approved stadium after deteriorating the National Sports Stadium [NSS] and it was banned by both CAF and FIFA in 2019.
As it stands, the NSS is not even being used for Zimbabwe’s PSL matches after years of overuse and serious neglect.
The Warriors were drawn in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers along with Bafana Bafana. Nigeria, Benin, Rwanda and Lesotho complete the group.
They are bouncing back after being absent for over a year, as they were suspensed by FIFA over government involvement.
Prior to the suspension, CAF had already condemned stadia in the country, including the NSS. The NSS has mainly been used for all the national team matches.
With two months before the qualifiers start, it is doubtful that the facility will be renovated to meet the minimum requirements.
This is despite assurances by the sports ministry that renovations at the stadium will be fast-tracked.
WHERE ZIMBABWE WILL LIKELY HOST WC QUALIFIERS
And it has emerged that the ZIFA normalisation committee is considering to host the matches in Botswana or South Africa.
But, impeccable sources have said they are likely to turn to South Africa’s top stadiums. South Africa boasts seven CAF-approved stadiums.
CAF has already requested Zimbabwe and other countries to submit names of where they plan to host the qualifiers.
“In preparation for MD1&2 (2026 World Cup Qualifiers) which are scheduled to be played from November 13 to 21 2023.
“We are requesting the member associations to send us their preference date, venue and kick-off time of their home match by the September 8 at the latest.
“We encourage the associations to start initial conversations in order to better coordinate the date and venue selection process,” CAF wrote.
The Warriors will kick off the qualification journey with an away date to Rwanda on 13 November. A week later, they are scheduled to host Nigeria.
Meanwhile, ZIFA is yet to appoint a substantive coach to lead the Warriors in the forthcoming qualifiers.
A number of highly rated coaches including for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates Kosta Papic are angling for the job.
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