Securing FIFA standard matches at Peter Mokaba Stadium for Lesotho

Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium has been selected to host a series of critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches for the Lesotho national team. These upcoming fixtures, which include major clashes against continental heavyweights Nigeria and neighbouring Zimbabwe, are scheduled for mid-October and will bring significant international football attention to the Limpopo province, according to the official announcement shared by the Limpopo Chronicle.

Key details about the qualifying fixtures

• Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
• Host Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, located in Polokwane, South Africa.
• Home Team (for these fixtures): Lesotho (the Likuena).
• First Match: Lesotho vs. Nigeria.
• Date and Time (First Match): Friday, 10 October, at 18:00 (6:00 PM).
• Second Match: Lesotho vs. Zimbabwe.
• Date and Time (Second Match): Monday, 13 October, also at 18:00 (6:00 PM).
• Announcement Date: The confirmation of the venue was reported on 2 October 2025.
• Source: Limpopo Chronicle.

Simple summary of the story

The football spotlight will soon shine on Polokwane as the Peter Mokaba Stadium prepares to host two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches for the Kingdom of Lesotho. Lesotho, like several other African nations, often chooses neutral or neighbouring high-standard venues to host their ‘home’ international fixtures, making the Polokwane stadium an ideal choice due to its modern facilities and proximity. This decision allows local fans and football enthusiasts in the Limpopo province the chance to watch high-level international football.

The busy schedule begins on Friday, 10 October, when Lesotho takes on one of Africa’s biggest footballing nations, Nigeria, often called the Super Eagles. This match is expected to draw a considerable crowd, especially considering the interest in the Nigerian team. Following this major encounter, Lesotho will remain in Polokwane for their second fixture, facing their Southern African rivals Zimbabwe on Monday, 13 October. Both matches are scheduled for an evening kick-off at 18:00. This confirmation, initially provided by the Limpopo Chronicle, ensures that planning can now begin for logistics, security, and fan attendance for these vital qualification games that are part of the journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Community questions and answers

• Q: Why is Lesotho playing their home World Cup qualifiers in Polokwane, South Africa?
  
  A: Lesotho likely nominated the Peter Mokaba Stadium as their preferred ‘home’ venue because it meets the strict standards and requirements set by FIFA for hosting World Cup qualifying matches, which their own national stadiums may not meet currently.
• Q: Will these matches affect local traffic or events in Polokwane?
  
  A: Since both matches are major international events, especially the clash with Nigeria, it is highly likely that there will be increased traffic and potential road closures around the stadium on the evenings of 10 October and 13 October.
• Q: When exactly are the two matches scheduled to kick off?
  
  A: Both the Lesotho vs Nigeria match and the Lesotho vs Zimbabwe match will start at 6:00 PM (18:00).
• Q: Where can supporters purchase tickets for these two qualifying games?
  
  A: While the announcement confirms the venue and dates, ticket sales are typically handled by the local organising committee or the participating football associations and will be sold via official ticketing platforms in the run-up to the event.
• Q: Is South Africa (Bafana Bafana) also using the Peter Mokaba Stadium for their World Cup qualifiers?
  
  A: This article only confirms the fixtures for Lesotho. South Africa’s home fixtures for the World Cup qualifiers are managed separately and may take place in various stadia across the country.
• Q: Can I read about other local sports and municipal news happening in the Limpopo area?
  
  A: Yes, for more local updates and news stories like this one, you can always read more stories here.