The Madagascar national team could receive a major boost in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign this weekend.
The Mahamsina Municipal Stadium in the Malagasy capital of Antananarivo has received positive reviews from Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspectors and a decision is expected before the end of the weekend from CAF on if the stadium is approved to host matches.
After two years of being unable to host home fixtures, two CAF inspectors arrived in the country to evaluate recent work done on the stadium. Midi Madagasikara reports that inspectors Diabaté Zakkarya and Craig Ian William were impressed after a visit with the Malagasy outlet quoting that "all efforts have been made and that the essential elements requested by CAF are visible on the ground."
This development could have a massive impact on Madagascar's fortunes. Notorious for being a difficult place for visiting teams to get results, the Barea are making a strong effort to qualify for their first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup after hiring French coach Corentin Martins ahead of their next qualifying fixtures in March.
The return of their home venue could be the catalyst for a successful campaign. Madagascar are currently only two points back of co-leaders Comoros and Ghana in Group I with the group winner guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Martins, former coach of Mauritania and Libya and most recently Algerian club CR Belouizdad, will lead his charges to face Central African Republic at a neutral venue before they are set to host Ghana in the March fixtures, which could be the first match at their home stadium if approved. Group I also includes Chad and Mali, who are two points back of Madagascar in fourth place after Les Aigles got off to a surprisingly poor start to the campaign.
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Group I Table (through 4 matches)
Points | |
Comoros | 9 |
Ghana | 9 |
Madagascar | 7 |
Mali | 5 |
Central African Republic | 4 |
Chad | 0 |
The top finishing team qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The four best runners-up from the nine groups qualify for a playoff. The winner of the four-team playoff will qualify for the inter-confederation playoffs where six teams will compete for the final two places at the finals.
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