The South African Football Federation (SAFA) has confirmed that Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier fixture against Zimbabwe will be played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The match will take place on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, with kick-off time and ticket details to be communicated “in the coming days.”
Bafana Bafana vs Zimbabwe fixture
This will be Bafana Bafana’s first match in Bloemfontein since the 2010 World Cup when they edged France 2-1 at the stadium.
“We are looking forward to playing this match in Bloemfontein, and we appeal to the fans to come out in numbers to support the team. The fans play such a crucial role for the players, and a packed Free State Stadium would serve as a fantastic boost for them,” SAFA acting CEO Dr Thulani Ngwenya said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico. In the qualifiers, South Africa are in Group C alongside Rwanda, Nigeria, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Benin.
Bafana Bafana are currently second in the group with three points after two games, after winning 2-1 against Benin and losing to 2-0 to Rwanda in November last year. Zimbabwe are fifth with two points from two draws.
Before their game against Zimbabwe, coach Hugo Broos’ charges will travel to Nigeria on Friday, 7 June 2024. The Super Eagles are third in the group with two points from two matches.
The qualifiers will end in November 2025, with the top finisher in each of the nine groups qualifying for the 23rd World Cup.
There will also be a FIFA Play-Off Tournament from which two more nations will qualify.