Bafana Bafana Ready to Rise in Durban as World Cup Dream Stays Alive

Photo Credit: Bafana Bafana

After a points setback, Bafana Bafana head to Moses Mabhida Stadium determined to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive.

Durban, South Africa (10 October 2025) – A little drama off the field has not dampened the spirit! Despite a bump in the road after being docked points by FIFA, Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup dream is still very much alive, and they will be counting on the electric Durban crowd to push them closer to qualification glory.

The national team takes to the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium later today for a crucial showdown against Zimbabwe, a fixture that could define their journey to next year’s tournament. Known for drawing some of the most passionate crowds during big cup competitions, the Durban venue is expected to be a sea of green and gold as supporters rally behind Hugo Broos’ men.

With just two matches left in their qualifying campaign, every point counts. Bafana currently sit level with Benin on 14 points at the top of Group C. Benin edge the South African team just on goal difference and still have to face both Rwanda and Nigeria. A tough path that could open the door for South Africa.

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Coach Broos has made it clear that this clash is “the most important” of the remaining two fixtures, with the final test against Rwanda set for Mbombela next Tuesday.

But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. FIFA’s disciplinary ruling against the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the March qualifier against Lesotho has added an unexpected twist to the campaign. Still, the team remains focused on what lies ahead.

As South Africa prepares to face Zimbabwe under the coastal lights of Moses Mabhida, the belief, the momentum, and the support of thousands of fans could be the difference between heartbreak and history.