Zimbabwe’s Warriors are gearing up for a Southern African derby under the bright lights of Moses Mabhida Stadium this Friday evening, as they take on neighbours South Africa in their penultimate 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 PM CAT.

Although the Warriors are mathematically out of contention for a World Cup spot, pride and regional bragging rights will be on the line. For the hosts, Bafana Bafana, this is a must-win clash — a do-or-die battle as they chase a spot at the global showpiece in North America.

The encounter will be played on neutral ground, with Durban’s iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium providing the perfect backdrop for what promises to be a high-intensity contest between two sides with a long-standing rivalry and shared football history.

For Zimbabwe, it’s a chance to test new combinations, rebuild team confidence, and finish the campaign with dignity. The technical team is expected to give opportunities to some emerging talents, while also relying on a few experienced heads to steady the ship.

Fans across the continent won’t miss a moment of the action. SuperSport TV will broadcast the match live across Africa, while ZBC TV will beam it into homes across Zimbabwe. In South Africa, supporters can tune in to SABC Sport. Those outside the continent can stream the match live on FIFA+ in selected regions.

The Warriors will wrap up their qualifying journey next Monday, when they face Lesotho at Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium — another fixture that will offer Zimbabweans a final glimpse of the team before attention turns to the rebuilding process for future tournaments.

For both sides, Friday’s clash is about more than just points — it’s about pride, passion, and the enduring spirit of Southern African football.

Africa’s representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is beginning to take shape, with three nations — Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco — officially booking their places at next year’s global showpiece.

Their qualification follows the latest round of matches across the continent, as the race to North America edges closer to its conclusion. The trio now joins sixteen other confirmed teams, bringing the total number of qualified nations to nineteen, including co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Egypt became the latest side to seal their ticket, continuing their strong run under coach Hossam Hassan. The Pharaohs have been clinical throughout the qualifiers, combining experience and flair to reclaim their place on football’s biggest stage. They join Tunisia and Morocco, who had already punched their tickets earlier after dominant campaigns in their respective groups.

Meanwhile, Ghana are on the verge of qualification but must avoid a major upset in their final fixture. Their spot will only come under threat if they lose to Comoros, and Madagascar not only defeat Mali but also overturn an unlikely eight-goal deficit in goal difference — a scenario many consider practically impossible.

Africa has nine direct qualification slots for the 2026 tournament, plus one intercontinental playoff place, which means several exciting battles still lie ahead before the full list of representatives is confirmed.

Elsewhere, the qualification picture is also taking shape across other continents. Asia already has six confirmed teams — Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, and Japan — while South America will once again be represented by its traditional powerhouses: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay.

In North and Central America, the co-hosts — Canada, Mexico, and the United States — automatically qualify, while New Zealand will fly Oceania’s flag at the expanded 48-team tournament.

Interestingly, no European nation has yet secured qualification, as the UEFA qualifiers are still in progress and expected to conclude later this year.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time, the remaining qualifiers promise high drama as nations across the globe fight for their ticket to football’s biggest stage.

Zimbabwe Cricket has announced a 13-man Zimbabwe ‘A’ squad set to face the touring Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in a three-day match beginning this Friday at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare.

The fixture marks the latest chapter in the long-standing cricket relationship between Zimbabwe and the historic MCC, who are on a short tour of the country aimed at fostering competitive cricket and development opportunities for emerging players.

The selected Zimbabwe ‘A’ squad includes a strong blend of experience and youthful promise, featuring players who have represented the national side in recent international fixtures. Among them are Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, and Tadiwanashe Marumani, all of whom have been part of Zimbabwe’s senior team setup in the past months.

The bowling department will be spearheaded by Tinotenda Maposa and Vincent Masekesa, both looking to continue their fine form and stake claims for more consistent national selection.

Also included are rising talents Antum Naqvi, Takudzwa Chataira, and Anesu Kamuriwo, who are yet to earn full international caps but have impressed in domestic competitions with their performances for provincial sides. Their inclusion is seen as part of Zimbabwe Cricket’s continued efforts to broaden the player base and prepare a new generation for senior team duties.

The three-day match is expected to provide valuable game time for fringe players and a testing platform for selectors to assess depth ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Following the first-class fixture in Harare, the MCC will round off their Zimbabwe tour with three T20 matches against the Zimbabwe Academy at Takashinga Cricket Club next week, in what promises to be a busy and exciting period for local cricket fans.

Zimbabwe Cricket officials said the MCC tour forms part of broader efforts to enhance player development and strengthen ties with international cricket bodies.