Bafana Bafana have received some good news for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.
There were fears that both qualifiers against Lesotho and the Super Eagles could be moved from the Toyota Stadium to Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium due to the state of the pitch.
Read: Stadium Concerns For Bafana Bafana Coach
However, it was confirmed on Tuesday that both fixtures will played at the Free State Stadium as planned.
Statement:
The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Nigeria will go ahead at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein as originally planned, following a recent physical inspection of the pitch.
The fixture, set for Tuesday, 9 September 2025, with kick-off at 18h00, had been under scrutiny in recent weeks amidst concerns over the readiness of the playing surface following the harsh winter season. However, those fears have now been allayed.
In a joint communication to South African Football Association (SAFA) CEO Lydia Monyepao, both FIFA and CAF confirmed the venue’s approval, citing “encouraging progress observed on the pitch” as the deciding factor.
“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,” the statement from FIFA and CAF read.
Bafana Bafana are currently in camp in Johannesburg, fine-tuning preparations for a critical pair of qualifiers. First up is a clash against Lesotho on Friday, 5 September, before they turn their attention to the Super Eagles of Nigeria next Tuesday.
With the green light now granted, attention shifts firmly to the pitch — both in terms of its condition and the players who must perform on it. Bloemfontein, a city steeped in football tradition, will once again play host to high-stake encounters that could shape the trajectory of Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup ambitions.
