The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has confirmed that the Warriors will face Rwanda in their next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Group C clash is set for Tuesday, 9 September 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 3PM CAT.
Zimbabwe will once again be forced to play its “home” match on foreign soil due to the unavailability of CAF-approved stadiums locally. The National Sports Stadium in Harare remains under prolonged renovation, leaving Orlando Stadium as the Warriors’ temporary base.
With just four matches left in the campaign, Zimbabwe’s qualification hopes are hanging by a thread. The Warriors currently anchor Group C with only four points—nine adrift of table-toppers South Africa.
Despite the tough position, recent performances have offered a glimmer of hope.
In March, the Warriors showed resilience, coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Benin. The West Africans had taken control early through a Steve Mounié strike and a second from Dodo Dokou just before halftime. But Zimbabwe refused to go down quietly.
Midfielder Marshal Munetsi pulled one back just before the break, and veteran forward Knowledge Musona, returning to national duty, sealed the comeback with a clinical second-half equaliser.
As the Warriors prepare for their showdown with Rwanda, the mission is clear: win or wave goodbye to the World Cup dream.
