Road to Glory: World Cup Qualifiers Heat Up Across the Globe, Zimbabwe Eyes Redemption
- Southerton Business Times
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
As the global football community gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, qualifying rounds are intensifying across continents. From Europe’s tactical showdowns to South America’s star-studded clashes, the race to North America is heating up. For Zimbabwe, all attention is on the Warriors, who are preparing for a critical stretch in the CAF qualifiers.
Global Qualifying Highlights
France vs Ukraine – A rematch steeped in tension, with Les Bleus seeking redemption after their 2022 final heartbreak. The game will take place in Wroclaw, Poland, due to ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Germany vs Slovakia – Germany begins its campaign without Jamal Musiala, sidelined by injury, in a potentially tricky opener.
Argentina vs Venezuela – Though Argentina has already qualified, fans are eager to see Messi lead the squad, with questions over Lautaro Martínez and McAllister’s roles.
Norway vs Italy – Erling Haaland’s Norway leads the group, while Italy risks missing a third consecutive World Cup.
Zimbabwe Warriors: A Nation’s Hope
Zimbabwe’s national team enters a pivotal phase in Group C. After a rocky start—including a 0–2 loss to Lesotho and a 1–1 draw against Nigeria—the Warriors are regrouping for four crucial fixtures:
Date | Fixture | Venue |
Sept 5 | Benin 🇧🇯 vs Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire |
Sept 9 | Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 vs Rwanda 🇷🇼 | Orlando Stadium, Soweto |
Oct 6 | Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 vs South Africa 🇿🇦 | TBD |
Oct 13 | Lesotho 🇱🇸 vs Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 | TBD |
“We’re not just playing for points—we’re playing for pride,” said Warriors head coach Michael Nees during a press briefing in Harare.
Football analyst Tinashe Moyo highlighted the importance of squad depth and mental resilience:“Zimbabwe’s midfield lacks consistency. With Knowledge Musona returning and Jordan Zemura expected to join camp, there’s hope—but they must gel quickly.”
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed the team has set up camp in Abidjan, with players like Godknows Murwira and Walter Musona already in training. Logistical challenges persist, however, as Zimbabwe continues to host “home” games in South Africa due to CAF’s disapproval of the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
“The Warriors must rise—not just for qualification, but to restore national pride.” — Tinashe Moyo, Football Analyst
Group C Standings Snapshot
Team | Points | Key Result |
Rwanda | 6 | Beat South Africa 2–0 |
Nigeria | 5 | Drew with Zimbabwe 1–1 |
South Africa | 4 | Beat Zimbabwe 3–1 |
Zimbabwe | 2 | Yet to win |
Lesotho | 4 | Beat Zimbabwe 2–0 |
Benin | 4 | Beat Nigeria 2–1 |
Zimbabwe now faces a critical window to secure points and revive their World Cup qualification hopes. With national pride and the eyes of the country on them, the Warriors must deliver in the remaining fixtures to remain in contention.
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