World Cup (Q): Amahoro Stadium to host Ethiopia’s last home qualifier

The Ethiopia national team will play its final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying home match against Guinea-Bissau in Rwanda. Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) secretary general Bahiru Tilahun revealed that Amahoro Stadium will host the Waliyas in October 2025.

The Waliyas will end World Cup qualifying without being able to play at home after CAF banned stadiums in Ethiopia. Without a CAF-approved stadium in Ethiopia, the national side was forced to play its home games in a neutral location. Morocco hosted most of Ethiopia’s home matches during the qualifying campaign.

 

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Tilahun noted that FIFA asked the EFF to identify their next home venue and Amahoro Stadium was selected to host the game between Ethiopia and Guinea-Bissau. The stadium was renovated in 2024 and holds 45,000 spectators. EFF has a green light from the Rwandan Football Association to host the game.

Ethiopia are fifth in Group A after losses to Egypt and Sierra Leone, leaving the Waliyas out of contention to qualify. The EFF previously asked the government of Ethiopia to assist in building a CAF-certified stadium in the country. The Bahirdar National Stadium is undergoing a major facelift and is expected to be the main venue if things go as planned. Ethiopia is also building a large stadium named Adey Abeba in the capital, Addis Ababa.

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