The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Nigeria will take place at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein as scheduled, following a successful pitch inspection.
The highly anticipated clash, set for next week Tuesday (9/10) at 18h00, had faced uncertainty amid concerns about the playing surface after the harsh winter season. However, FIFA and CAF have now given the stadium the green light, assuring the South African Football Association (SAFA) that confirmed its readiness.
The statement from FIFA and CAF read as follows, “Considering the encouraging progress observed on the pitch, both organizations have agreed that the matches will proceed as originally scheduled at the Free State Stadium.”
Bafana Bafana are currently in Johannesburg preparing for two crucial qualifiers. They first face Lesotho on this Friday (05/10), before hosting Nigeria. With the venue now officially cleared, all focus shifts to the pitch and the performance Bafana must deliver to keep their World Cup hopes alive
Compiled by Clement Matroos
