Madagascar aims to host World Cup qualifier at renovated Mahamasina Stadium

The Madagascar Football Federation is aiming to bring the national team back home for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifier against Chad.

The Mahamasina Municipal Stadium has been undergoing major renovation work to meet the criteria set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The government of Madagascar is assisting the federation in its efforts to host international games in the country once again. The country’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Moustapha Marson, told 2424 Madagascar that only the playing turf remains to be renovated.

“We have already ordered the equipment. Some of it has already arrived in Madagascar and is in the possession of the Madagascar Football Federation, while the rest is still awaited. Once everything has arrived, we will proceed with improving the pitch. We will wait for the CAF inspectors to obtain approval,” said Marson.

Madagascar has been using stadiums in Morocco to host its home games during the World Cup qualifiers. Their upcoming matches against Chad and the Central African Republic could be hosted in Madagascar if CAF approves the 40,000-seater stadium before September 2025.

Head coach Corentin Martins hopes the matches will be played on Malagasy soil, as the national team could benefit from a much-needed home advantage.