ZIFA Announces Date and Venue for Crucial Warriors-Rwanda 2026 World Cup Qualifier
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has confirmed that the Warriors will host their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Rwanda at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Group C clash is set for Tuesday, 9 September 2025, with kick-off at 3 PM CAT.
Zimbabwe will once again play on neutral ground due to the continued unavailability of suitable stadiums back home. The National Sports Stadium in Harare, which has been under long-term renovations, won’t be ready in time for the match. As a result, Orlando Stadium remains the team’s temporary “home.”
With just four games left, Zimbabwe’s chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup are hanging by a thread. The Warriors sit at the bottom of Group C with only four points, nine behind log leaders South Africa.
Still, recent results have shown glimpses of fight and resilience from the team.
In March, Zimbabwe came from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw against Benin in a spirited display.
Benin struck early through Steve Mounié after a goalkeeping mistake and doubled their lead just before halftime courtesy of Dodo Dokou. But the Warriors didn’t fold.
Marshal Munetsi gave Zimbabwe a lifeline just before the break, and veteran striker Knowledge Musona, making his return to the national team, levelled the score with a clinical one-touch finish in the second half.
Zimbabwe also frustrated Nigeria with a gutsy performance away in Uyo. After Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen headed the Super Eagles into the lead in the 74th minute, it looked like another defeat for the Warriors.
But Tawanda Chirewa had other ideas. In the dying seconds of the match, he fired home a stunning equaliser to silence the Nigerian crowd and snatch a vital point.
The Warriors now shift focus to their upcoming match against Rwanda, hoping to build on recent draws and keep their slim qualification hopes alive. With four games remaining, Zimbabwe needs nothing short of a miracle. But if recent performances are anything to go by, the fight isn’t over just yet.
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