FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier: Big boost for Eagles as Zimbabwe dumps South Africa home for Rwanda

By Ifeanyi Eduzor

Zimbabwe have confirmed that their high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa will no longer hold in South Africa but in Rwanda — a twist that could have a ripple effect on Nigeria’s faltering qualification hopes.

According to Soccernet.ng the Warriors, who remain banned by FIFA from hosting games due to stadium inadequacies back home, had initially staged two of their ‘home’ matches in South Africa.

Zimbabwe’s first home game against Nigeria was played in Rwanda, but the subsequent matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic were judged on South African soil. 

However, for the potentially decisive clash against Bafana Bafana on October 5, Zimbabwe have secured approval from CAF to host the encounter in Rwanda.

The move arrives at a critical time, not just for Zimbabwe but for Nigeria too.

The Super Eagles are in fourth place in Group C, with seven points — six adrift of table-toppers South Africa. Any slip-up from Hugo Broos’ side could reopen the door for Nigeria to re-enter the qualification race.

Zimbabwe are bottom of the group with five points but remain mathematically in the hunt.

It would be noted that South Africa’s points haul could be slashed when FIFA rules on their fielding of an ineligible player in the game against Lesotho.