South Sudan Hosts First-ever World Cup Qualifier Match in Juba; Sudan Climbs to the Top of Group B

FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrived in Juba, South Sudan on Tuesday, 11 June 2024 for the inauguration of Juba National Stadium, which hosted South Sudan’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifiers match – the first time a FIFA World Cup™ qualifier has been held in the country.

‘Today is a wonderful occasion. It is a milestone in the very young history of South Sudan, of the youngest country in the world,’ said Infantino on his third visit to the country, which only gained independence in 2011.

He was joined by South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the President of South Sudan Football Association Augustino Parek. FIFA invested nearly USD7 mn (GBP5.49 mn) to support work in the capital. The FIFA Forward Development Programme, which has been supporting FIFA Member Associations’ (MA) infrastructure projects since its establishment in 2016, provided USD5.1 mn while a USD1.8 mn COVID-19 relief loan completed the necessary funding. It facilitated the construction of four dressing rooms, team benches, a media tribune, VIP areas and other facilities, turning the stadium into a 7,500-capacity venue.

‘This is a great occasion. It is a great opportunity to showcase South Sudan, to showcase the youth of this country, which has so much talent, and it’s our joint responsibility to give this talent an opportunity. Now, this talent, when it comes to football, has the opportunity to play in a brand-new national stadium, [to] which FIFA has been contributing, but it has been a teamwork of all of us to build. And today, we have a beautiful jewel here in South Sudan,’ Infantino added.

South Sudan’s Bright Stars played against Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane, with Sudan beating South Sudan 3-0. Walieldin Khedr’s thumping header gave the visitors a first-half lead. Yasir Mozamil doubled the advantage after the break, before Mohamed Abdelrahman put the result beyond doubt with a late strike.

Sudan nows surges to the top of Group B, while Madagascar, Mali, Kenya and Cote d’Ivoire all played out draws in their respective groups. The result leaves Sudan with 10 points from four games, two clear of Senegal, as they stake their claim for a place at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

South Sudan will play against the DR Congo in March 2025 when the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifiers resume while Sudan will play host to Senegal. South Sudan is currently fifth on the table with two points while Sudan is second with seven points.

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will take place from 11 to 19 June 2026 in host countries: Canada, Mexico and the US.

Sources: Africanews, CAF Online, africanfootball.com, Inside FIFA