Bafana Bafana will make a much-anticipated return to Bloemfontein this September for two pivotal matches in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed on Friday that the City of Roses will host Bafana’s upcoming Group C clashes against Lesotho and Nigeria.
South Africa currently tops Group C with thirteen points from six matches, ahead of Rwanda and Benin, who both have eight points. Nigeria follows closely in fourth place with seven, while Lesotho (six points) and Zimbabwe (four points) round out the standings.
Bloemfontein has proved to be a successful hunting ground for Bafana. Last year, they secured a 3–1 win over Zimbabwe in front of a packed crowd, a victory that helped set the tone for their current qualifying run. Earlier this year, the team also drew 1–1 with Egypt in the African Nations Championship qualifiers in the same city. More recently, Bloemfontein played host to the 2025 COSAFA Cup, where South Africa did lose 3-0 to Angola in the final.
Adding to the excitement for local supporters, Bafana will play back-to-back fixtures at the Toyota Stadium. They will first face Lesotho on Friday, 5 August, in a fixture officially listed as an away game but hosted on home soil. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00.
Just a few days later, Bafana will meet Nigeria in a high-stakes showdown on Tuesday, 9 September, also kicking off at 18:00. – MORGAN PIEK
