The Zimbabwe Warriors intend to host Nigeria in Rwanda for their first home 2026 World Cup qualifying match. Given that Zimbabwe currently lacks approved stadia, the Warriors plan to stay in Rwanda following their game against Amavubi to host the Super Eagles a week later.
The Warriors of Zimbabwe could play their first two games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Rwanda, as CAF has criticized all venues in the country that used to host international matches for failing to meet international standards.
Usually, international matches in Zimbabwe were held in The National Sports Stadium and Rufaro in Harare, as well as Babourfields in Bulawayo. However, since the country was suspended by FIFA, the stadiums in the country were no longer up to grade, and hence the continuing renovations on the venues have not been completed on time.
According to the local website Soccer24, talks have been ongoing between the Zimbabwe Football Association, ZIFA, and the Rwanda Football Association, FERWAFA, with the aim for Zimbabwe to host Nigeria in the land of a thousand hills.
The journey to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will begin on November 13, 2023. Zimbabwe will travel to Rwanda in Group C’s opening game, and the Warriors are keen to host Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Rwanda a week later.
The list of approved venues is only for matchdays 1 and 2, which means the Zimbabwe can host other matches in the campaign if Harare’s National Sports Stadium passes further CAF inspections.
Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho comprise Group C of the African 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
