'Awful' Free State Toyota Stadium cleared to host FIFA World Cup qualifier between Lesotho and Bafana Bafana amid initial rejection notice

Lesotho have booked the Toyota Stadium to host Bafana Bafana in Group C's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday, September 5. 

This is because they don't have a FIFA-approved stadium in the country to host international matches.

South Africa had also stated it will host Nigeria at the same venue four days later.

World Football Governing Body, FIFA, was concerned with the state of the pitch after a recent rugby game on the facility.

They advised against hosting the game there, with Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium getting a node for the fixture. 

It was a welcome move, according to Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who termed it 'awful'.   

"We got the message on Saturday that we can't play at the Free State Stadium because of the condition of the pitch," Broos told media.

 Lesotho also didn't know anything about it, but both teams must now just accept it as it is.
"I went to go and see the pitch last week already, and it was really awful."

However, according to the latest update, FIFA have resorted to the initial plan.

"Toyota Stadium has been given the green light for Friday's match," LeFA communication and media manager Mikia Kalati told GOAL. 

It will be vital for Bafana Bafana to take maximum points in their bid to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be the first time since 2010.

However, it might take longer if South Africa are punished for playing ineligible Teboho Mokoena in the initial meeting with the Crocodiles.