Lesotho vs South Africa FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier: Check kick-off time, TV channel, and live streaming details online.
Lesotho vs South Africa: The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches persist in Africa with an interesting encounter pitting Lesotho against South Africa in a Group C match. Although Lesotho is landlocked by South Africa, the match will not be staged in the mountainous enclave country for a lack of adequate stadiums. Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein will instead host the match.
South Africa enter the match top of the pool with five points to spare at the summit after five matches. A second 2-0 victory over Lesotho from earlier in the competition could practically seal their qualification for the second phase.
For coach Hugo Broos, the build-up has been controversial. South Africa conceded having fielded a suspended player accidentally in the reverse match, but in the absence of any official complaint by Lesotho, FIFA has issued no sanction.
Supporters keen to watch the action live on TV can watch SuperSport Football in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. In the UK, some broadcasters are broadcasting CAF qualifiers, but coverage differs by location. The audience is encouraged to check their local sports listings for verification.
For online fans, the game will be live on FIFA+, the governing body of world football's official streaming platform. UK and other international fans can also watch the game live on FIFA+ by signing up on the platform, which offers free as well as paid subscription options based on geography. Subscribers to SuperSport in South Africa can also catch the game on the DStv Stream app.
Lesotho could look to Thabo Makhele, a former South Africa U23 player who recently switched allegiance and has already gained 11 caps. There are numerous players within their team who are also resident in South Africa, giving the game an added sting.
For the hosts, South Africa will miss Ime Okon and Patrick Maswanganyi who have been ruled out through injury. Coach Hugo Broos has named midfielder Sipho Mbule and defender Thabo Moloisane in place of them.
Lesotho XI: Moerane; Malane, Mkwanazi, Makhele, Matlabe; Toloane, Fotoane; Mokhachane, Bereng, Makhetha; Makateng.
South Africa XI: Williams; Mobbie, Mbokazi, Ngezana, Modiba; Le Roux, Mokoena; Appollis, Mofokeng, Nkota; Rayners.
