Bafana Bafana’s October fixtures have been officially released ahead of a tense international break that could decide South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup fate.
Bafana Bafana October 2025 fixtures confirmed
The announcement comes just after FIFA confirmed on Monday, 29 September 2025 that South Africa has been docked points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the 2–0 win over Lesotho earlier this year.
That ruling, which saw the victory forfeited and recorded as a 3–0 loss, has made the two October fixtures against Zimbabwe and Rwanda absolutely crucial.
Hugo Broos’ side must win both matches to guarantee their spot at the World Cup in North America.
The fixtures are:
- Friday, 10 October 2025, 15:00 (SAST) – Zimbabwe vs South Africa, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
- Tuesday, 14 October 2025, 18:00 (SAST) – South Africa vs Rwanda, Mbombela Stadium, Mpumalanga
Tickets for the home match against Rwanda are already on sale through TicketPro outlets.
Bafana Bafana squad ahead of crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
On Thursday, Coach Hugo Broos named the 23-man squad heading into the final round of qualifiers.
- GOALKEEPERS
- RONWEN WILLIAMS
- RICARDO GOSS
- SIPHO CHAINE
- DEFENDERS
- KHULISO MUDAU
- THABISO MONYANE
- AUBREY MODIBA
- GRANT KHOZA
- NJABULO NGCOBO
- NKOSINATHI SIBISI
- MOTHOBI MVALA
- TERCIOUS MALEPE
- MIDFIELDERS
- TEBOHO MOKOENA
- SPHEPHELO SITHOLE
- BATHUSI AUBAAS
- LUKE LE ROUX
- THABO CELE
- FORWARDS
- LYLE FOSTER
- EVIDENCE MAKGOPA
- BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE
- PERCY TAU
- MIHLALI MAYAMBELA
- RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG
- OSWIN APPOLLIS
The return of European-based players like Luke le Roux (Portsmouth), Foster (Burnley), and Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol) adds depth and international experience.
However, the spotlight remains on Teboho Mokoena, who was at the centre of the FIFA sanction. Although he has been warned by FIFA, he is still eligible for the final fixtures, and it will be up to Broos whether he includes the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder in the trimmed squad.
“I know everything that happened in the last two weeks, but we’re still alive. There is nothing changed, after the game against Nigeria we were three points ahead. We still had to win our last two games. Why believe Benin will win their last two games and we not. I don’t understand why people start doubting, and say we can’t qualify anymore,” Broos said.
The FIFA ruling has reshaped Group C. South Africa, once clear at the top, are now tied closely with Benin and Nigeria. With Rwanda also in contention, the last two matches will determine who goes through.
“People have to stop now to look for who is responsible, we all know he made a mistake. But between the first match and the second there were 16 months, we also played AFCON… Who is responsible, it’s clear, I’m responsible as the coach. My staff is responsible, the coaching staff is responsible, the player is responsible and SAFA administration is responsible,” the head coach added.
Where and when to watch the matches
Both matches will be broadcast live in South Africa on SABC Sport and SuperSport.
Kick-off times are:
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa – 15:00 (SAST), Friday, 10 October 2025
- South Africa vs Rwanda – 18:00 (SAST), Tuesday, 14 October 2025
Fans unable to attend can also stream the matches via SABC+ and DStv Now.
With the sanction now official, the stakes have never been higher for Bafana Bafana.
Victories against Zimbabwe and Rwanda will not only secure a World Cup ticket but also restore faith after the costly administrative blunder.
