2026 World Cup Qualifier: FIFA Gives Toyota Stadium Green Light for Bafana Bafana vs Super Eagles Clash

2026 World Cup Qualifier: FIFA Gives Toyota Stadium Green Light for Bafana Bafana vs Super Eagles Clash

Sampson Adedeji

World football governing body FIFA, in conjunction with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has officially cleared Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein to host Bafana Bafana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Doubts had earlier surfaced following a communication from FIFA to the Lesotho Football Association hinting at a possible postponement of their encounter with South Africa, citing concerns over the condition of the Free State Stadium pitch.

However, after a fresh round of inspections, both FIFA and CAF confirmed the stadium had made significant progress and was fit to stage the fixtures.

“Given the encouraging progress observed on the pitch, the two organisations have agreed that the matches will take place as originally scheduled at the Free State Stadium,” read a joint statement.

Lesotho, lacking a FIFA-approved stadium of its own, will now host Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Friday, September 5. Four days later, Hugo Broos’ men will return to the same venue for a high-stakes clash against long-time rivals, Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

South Africa heads into these qualifiers at the top of the group standings with 13 points from six matches, setting the stage for two crucial encounters that could define their World Cup campaign.