The South African Football Association (SAFA) has officially confirmed that Bafana Bafana will take on Lesotho in their upcoming World Cup qualifier, which will be held at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
This match is a crucial part of South Africa’s ongoing bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Under the leadership of coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana has shown steady progress in their World Cup qualification campaign. Currently, South Africa sits in second place in Group C, having accumulated two wins, one draw, and one loss from their first four matches. Their strong start to the qualification process has kept them in contention for a spot at the global tournament, and every point earned in the coming fixtures will be vital.
The team’s next challenge is a double-header against Lesotho and then Benin. The first of these matches will be played in Polokwane at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on March 21, 2025. This home fixture is expected to be an intense contest as Bafana Bafana aim to solidify their position in the group. A victory here will be crucial for Broos’ men to maintain momentum and stay in the hunt for a World Cup spot.
SAFA president Danny Jordaan said in a statement: “Hosting this game in Polokwane, Limpopo, is a continuation of our commitment to taking the team to different parts of the country.
“We hope to see the passionate and packed stadiums we saw in Mangaung, Gqeberha and Cape Town during the team’s unbeaten run in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last year.
“Now it is Polokwane’s turn to fill up the stadium.”
Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba said on Safa.net : “This match is not just another fixture on the football calendar, but it is a momentous occasion for our city, our province and of course for our country as we rally behind our boys in their quest to secure a spot in football’s grandest stage (the 2026 FIFA World Cup).”
Following the match in Polokwane, Bafana Bafana will travel to Benin by charter to face the West Africans, where another win is vital to maintaining their push for a spot in the 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.