Benin vs Zimbabwe: FIFA World Cup 2026 CAF Qualifiers – Where to Watch Live

Benin will host Zimbabwe in a crucial Round 7 clash of the CAF World Cup 2026 Qualifiers on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 9:30 PM IST, with the game set to be played at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara. Both sides enter this fixture with plenty at stake, as Group C remains wide open and every point could prove decisive in the race for a spot at the World Cup.

Benin, currently ranked 96th in the FIFA standings, comes into this encounter on the back of a difficult run of results. The Cheetahs have struggled in front of goal, managing just three strikes across their last five outings, including a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Nigeria and a 0-0 stalemate with Libya.

Their recent 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe highlighted both their attacking potential and defensive frailties, something that head coach Gernot Rohr will be eager to balance if Benin is to secure all three points at home. Zimbabwe, ranked 116th, arrives with slightly better momentum. The Warriors picked up an impressive 3-1 win over Mozambique and held Niger to a 1-1 draw, showcasing their ability to compete with solid opposition.

However, defensive lapses cost them in defeats against South Africa and Burkina Faso, while their most recent 0-0 draw with Mauritius suggested a dip in attacking sharpness. With both teams having shared the spoils in their last meeting, this clash promises to be a finely balanced contest where form and discipline could make the difference.

Team Form & Head-to-Head

The head-to-head record between Benin and Zimbabwe remains perfectly balanced, with neither side registering a win and just one draw separating them so far, underlining how competitive this fixture tends to be. Looking at recent form, Benin have struggled to find consistency, losing 0-1 to Morocco and 0-2 to South Africa before managing a 2-2 draw with Zimbabwe. They also played out a goalless stalemate against Libya and secured a 1-1 draw with Nigeria, which shows their defense has kept them in games, but their attack has lacked sharpness.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, enters this clash with a slightly stronger run of performances. They drew 1-1 with Niger, earned a convincing 3-1 win over Mozambique, but suffered back-to-back defeats against South Africa (0-2) and Burkina Faso (0-2). They closed out their last five with a 0-0 draw against Mauritius. Overall, Benin has only scored three times in their last five outings, while Zimbabwe has looked more threatening in attack, particularly with their big win over Mozambique.

Match Preview

Benin enters this tie under pressure, having failed to win in its last five outings. Their solid defense has managed to keep games tight, but a lack of finishing has cost them points. Playing at home, they’ll hope to capitalize on familiar conditions and strong local support.
Zimbabwe, ranked FIFA #116, comes in slightly better form than Benin (FIFA #96), with more firepower in attack but also defensive vulnerabilities. With both teams evenly matched, this encounter could prove decisive in shaping Group C qualification hopes. Expect a physical battle with chances at both ends, where Zimbabwe’s pace and Benin’s discipline could determine the outcome.

Details on where to watch Benin vs Zimbabwe for free/paid are given below.

How to Watch Benin vs Zimbabwe Live Streams & TV Channels

The Benin vs Zimbabwe game will be streamed across various platforms in multiple countries. Here is where to watch Benin vs Zimbabwe across various regions.

Benin vs Zimbabwe Predicted Lineups

Here are Sportsdunia's Benin vs Zimbabwe predicted Lineups:

Benin National Football Team Predicted Lineup

Saturnin Allagbé ; Youssouf Assogba, Khaled Adénon, Olivier Verdon, Emmanuel Imorou; Jordan Adeoti, Sessi D’Almeida; Jodel Dossou, Stéphane Sessègnon, Cebio Soukou; Steve Mounié

Zimbabwe National Football Team Predicted Lineup

Tatenda Mkuruva ; Teenage Hadebe, Divine Lunga, Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Alec Mudimu; Marvelous Nakamba, Marshal Munetsi, Kudakwashe Mahachi; Khama Billiat, Tino Kadewere, Admiral Muskwe

Benin vs Zimbabwe Kick-Off Time