Free State Stadium cleared to host Bafana World Cup Qualifiers | OneFootball

Free State Stadium given greenlight to host Bafana World Cup Qualifiers

Photo: Free State Stadium

The world football governing body, FIFA, along with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have ended the uncertainty over Bafana Bafana’s venue for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers matches.

This comes after the Lesotho Football Association confirmed communication from FIFA about a potential relocation of their match against the South African national team due to unsatisfactory pitch conditions at the Free State Stadium.

As a result, the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium was recommended as an alternative venue for the high stakes encounter between the neighboring counties.

However, the Toyota Stadium eventually received the greenlight to host the match after further inspection by FIFA and CAF officials.

“Considering the encouraging progress observed on the pitch, both organizations have agreed that the matches will proceed as originally scheduled at the Free State Stadium,” read the joint statement from FIFA and CAF.

Lesotho will host Bafana at the Free State venue on Friday, 05 September, as they have no FIFA approved stadium in their homeland.

Broos will then prepare his charges for a blockbuster clash against archrivals Nigeria at the same venue. South Africa head into the matches in pole position as they top the group with 13 points after six games.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s hopes of booking a spot in the global showpiece hangs in the balance as they are in fourth place, one point behind second-placed Rwanda and third-placed Benin, who both have accumulated eight points.