The Southern African Nation will now seek an alternative venue abroad to use in the upcoming global Qualifiers later this month.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has overturned a request by Mozambique to host match day five of the 2026 FIFA world Cup Qualifier against Uganda at Zimpeto National Stadium.
The continental football management entity says that the field at home doesn’t meet the minimum requirements necessary to hold CAF and FIFA Category 3 matches.
“The Mozambican Football Federation (FMF) informs that it received today an official note from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) communicating the rejection of the Zimpeto National Stadium for holding high-level international matches, following inspections carried out on 17 and 28 February 2025.
The CAF report highlights that, despite some progress, particularly in the condition of the pitch, the pitch surface still does not meet the minimum requirements necessary to host CAF and FIFA Category 3 matches. In addition to the issues related to the condition of the pitch, other critical deficiencies were identified that require urgent intervention.”
The FMF Executive Board will now arrange an emergency meeting to find solutions regarding the 5th round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup between Mozambique and Uganda, slated for March 20.
The Mozambican Football Federation (FMF) has been notified to find a different stadium outside the country which is approved by the CAF before March 7, 2025.
