TheZimbabwe national football team (nicknamedThe Warriors) representsZimbabwe in men's internationalfootball and is controlled by theZimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), formerly known as the Football Association of Rhodesia. The team has never qualified for theFIFA World Cup finals, but has qualified for theAfrica Cup of Nations six times. Zimbabwe has also won theCOSAFA Cup six times. The team represents bothFIFA and theConfederation of African Football (CAF).
Southern Rhodesia played their first official match against theEngland Amateur national football team as part of the latter's tour of South Africa and Rhodesia in June 1929. Southern Rhodesia lost their first two matches against England 4–0 and 6–1, respectively.[3] In 1965, following SouthernRhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence as Rhodesia, FIFA requested that the Football Association of Rhodesia reform to be a multi-racial organisation. Prior to this, onlywhite Rhodesians were selected for the national football team but after 1965 the team became multi-racial.[4] In 1969, Rhodesia took part in the Oceanic1970 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament. This was their first attempt to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Contrary to the team being viewed as the representative team of white Rhodesians, the team was multi-racial including black players.[5] They were drawn against theAustralia national football team. Both legs were held inLourenço Marques,Portuguese Mozambique as the Rhodesian team were unable to get Australian visas. Rhodesia drew the first leg 1–1 but lost the second leg 3–1 thus eliminating Rhodesia from qualification.[5]
In 1980, following the country's reconstitution as Zimbabwe, they played their first FIFA World Cup qualifying match for 11 years against theCameroon national football team. However they lost 2–1 on aggregate after a 1–0 win in the first leg inSalisbury and a 2–0 loss in the second leg.[6][7] Following this, the country passed a law that people who heldBritish passports would not be permitted to hold aZimbabwean passport, which mean that players such as goalkeeperBruce Grobbelaar, who is considered to be Zimbabwe's greatest goalkeeper,[8]were not selected for the national team for 10 years.[9] Following a change in policy that allowed Grobbelaar to play for Zimbabwe, who entered the country on his British passport, Zimbabwe under managerReinhard Fabisch were one match away from qualifying for the1994 FIFA World Cup. However, they lost their final qualifying match to Cameroon.[9][10]
In 2004, Zimbabwe qualified for their firstAfrica Cup of Nations. During their first match against Egypt, their former anthem "Ishe Komborera Africa" was accidentally played instead of "Simudzai Mureza wedu weZimbabwe", an act which Information MinisterJonathan Moyo called "a cheap attempt by the organisers to demoralise our boys".[11]
In 2015, the Zimbabwe national football team were banned from participating in2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying due to an unpaid debt to former coach,José Claudinei.[12] At the time, the team was experiencing its strongest period for many years, qualifying for both the2017 and2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
On 1 March 2022, Zimbabwe, along withKenya, was suspended again from international sport due to the interference of the government. Earlier in November 2021,Harare andNairobi dissolved their federations and were replaced with government-officials. On 31 March, the suspension was made indefinitely and was ratified by FIFA. Suspension is set until Zimbabwe and Kenya meet the demands given by FIFA. The team has produced some of the finest footballers the likes of the legendary Peter Ndlovu who played for Zimbabwe 100 times. He featured in the English premier for Coventry City, Birmingham City, Sheffield United and Huddersfield. Peter Ndlovu is well remembered for the hatrick he scored at Anfield against Liverpool, Bruce Grobelaar former Liverpool Goalkeeper, Norman Mapeza former Galatasary defender, Benjan Mwaruwaru former Man city player. Knowledge Musona former Anderletch and Bundesliga player. Khama Billiat former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs player.
| Kit provider | Period |
|---|---|
 L-Sporto | 2004–2005 |
 Legea | 2006–2009 |
 Puma | 2010–2012 |
 Umbro | 2013–2014 |
 Joma | 2015–2016 |
 Mafro | 2017–2018 |
| Umbro | 2019–2022 |
| Puma | 2023-2025 |
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
v
Benin| 20 March2026 World Cup qualification | Zimbabwe | 2–2 | Benin | Durban, South Africa |
| 18:00 UTC+2 | Report (FIFA) Report (CAF) | Stadium:Moses Mabhida Stadium Attendance: 5,000 Referee:Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia) |
v Zimbabwe| 25 March2026 World Cup qualification | Nigeria | 1–1 | Zimbabwe | Uyo, Nigeria |
| 17:00 UTC+1 |
| Report (FIFA) Report (CAF) |
| Stadium:Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Referee: Tsegay Mogos Teklu (Eritrea) |
v Zimbabwe| 4 June2025 COSAFA Cup | Mauritius | 0–0 | Zimbabwe | Bloemfontein, South Africa |
| 18:00 UTC+2 | Report | Stadium:Free State Stadium Referee: Godfrey Nkhakananga (Malawi) |
v Zimbabwe| 7 June2025 COSAFA Cup | South Africa | 2–0 | Zimbabwe | Bloemfontein, South Africa |
| 15:00 UTC+2 | Report | Stadium:Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium Referee: Thabang Ketshabile (Botswana) |
v Zimbabwe| 10 June2025 COSAFA Cup | Mozambique | 1–3 | Zimbabwe | Bloemfontein, South Africa |
| 18:00 UTC+2 |
| Report | Stadium:Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium Referee: Godfrey Nkhakananga (Malawi) |
v Zimbabwe| 6 September2026 World Cup qualification | Benin | 1–0 | Zimbabwe | Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
| 17:00 UTC+0 |
| Report | Stadium:Alassane Ouattara Stadium Attendance: 457 Referee:Lamin Jammeh (Gambia) |
v
Rwanda| 9 September2026 World Cup qualification | Zimbabwe | 0–1 | Rwanda | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| 16:00 UTC+2 | Report |
| Stadium:Orlando Stadium Referee: Abdou Abdel Mefire (Cameroon) |
v South Africa| 10 October2026 World Cup qualification | Zimbabwe | 0–0 | South Africa | Durban, South Africa |
| 18:00 UTC+2 |
| Report |
| Stadium:Moses Mabhida Stadium Referee:Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria) |
v Zimbabwe| 13 October2026 World Cup qualification | Lesotho | 1–0 | Zimbabwe | Polokwane, South Africa |
| 18:00 UTC+2 |
| Report | Stadium:Peter Mokaba Stadium Attendance: 3,500 Referee: Tsegay Mogos Teklu (Eritrea) |
v Zimbabwe| 13 NovemberFriendly | Algeria | 3–1 | Zimbabwe | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| 19:30 UTC+3 | Report | Stadium:Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium Referee: Abdullah Dhafer Al Shehri (Saudi Arabia) |
v Zimbabwe| 17 NovemberFriendly | Qatar | 1–2 | Zimbabwe | Doha, Qatar |
| 19:30 UTC+3 |
| Report | Stadium:Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium Referee: Mohamed Ebrahim Saad (Bahrain) |
v Zimbabwe| 22 December2025 AFCON Group B | Egypt | 2–1 | Zimbabwe | Agadir, Morocco |
| 21:00 UTC+1 | Report | Dube 20' | Stadium:Adrar Stadium Referee:Issa Sy (Senegal) |
v Zimbabwe| 26 December2025 AFCON Group B | Angola | 1–1 | Zimbabwe | Marrakesh, Morocco |
| 13:30 UTC+1 | Dala 24' | Report | Musona 45+6' | Stadium:Marrakesh Stadium Referee:Peter Waweru (Kenya) |
v South Africa| 29 December2025 AFCON Group B | Zimbabwe | 2–3 | South Africa | Marrakesh, Morocco |
| 17:00 UTC+1 |
| Report | Stadium:Marrakesh Stadium Referee: Mustapha Kech Chaf (Morocco) |
Danny McLennan (1965–1969)Bill Asprey (1975–1977)John Rugg (1980–1981)Shepherd Murape (1981–1983)Mick Poole (1985)
Ben Koufie (1988–1992)Reinhard Fabisch (1992–1995)Rudi Gutendorf (1995–1996)Bruce Grobbelaar (1996)Ian Porterfield (1996–1997)Sunday Chidzambwa (1997)Bruce Grobbelaar (1997)
Roy Barreto (1997–1998)Bruce Grobbelaar (1998)
Clemens Westerhof (1998–2000)Misheck Chidzambwa (2000)Sunday Chidzambwa (2000–2002)
Wiesław Grabowski (2002)Sunday Chidzambwa (2003–2004)Rahman Gumbo (2004)Charles Mhlauri (2004–2007)Sunday Chidzambwa (2007)Norman Mapeza (2007)Luke Masomore (2007–2008)
José Claudinei (2008)Sunday Chidzambwa (2008–2009)Norman Mapeza (2009–2010)
Tom Saintfiet (2010)Madinda Ndlovu (2010–2011)Norman Mapeza (2011–2012)Rahman Gumbo (2012)Klaus Dieter Pagels (2012–2013)Ian Gorowa (2013–2014)Callisto Pasuwa (2015–2017)Wilson Mutekede (2017)Sunday Chidzambwa (2017–2019)Joey Antipas (2019–2020)
Zdravko Logarušić (2020–2021)Norman Mapeza (2021–2022)Wilson Mutekede (2022)Shepherd Murape (2022–2023)Sunday Chidzambwa (2023)Baltemar Brito (2023–2024)Norman Mapeza (2024)Jairos Tapera (2024)Michael Nees (2024–2025)
Mario Marinică (2025–)
| Head coach | Michael Nees |
| Assistant coaches | Harold Ngwenya Creedence Zinyemba |
| Goalkeeping coach | Austin Chigwedere |
| Fitness Coach | Donald Mupfumi |
| Match Analyst | Kingsley Chirwa |
| Doctors | Dr. Takunda Mavhunga Dr. John Chikokore |
| Physiotherapists | James Chikanga Kathleen Mkhize David Nyamuzihwa Richard Mupanga |
| Team coordinator | Preston Nyoni |
| Technical director | Norman Mapeza Jethro Hunidzarira |
The following players were selected for the2025 Africa Cup of Nations between 21 December 2025 and 18 January 2026.[13]
Caps and goals are correct as of 29 December 2025, after the match againstSouth Africa.
| No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1GK | Elvis Chipezeze | (1990-03-11)11 March 1990 (age 35) | 10 | 0 | Magesi |
| 16 | 1GK | Martin Mapisa | (1998-05-25)25 May 1998 (age 27) | 2 | 0 | Dynamos |
| 22 | 1GK | Washington Arubi | (1985-08-29)29 August 1985 (age 40) | 33 | 0 | Marumo Gallants |
| 2 | 2DF | Gerald Takwara | (1994-10-29)29 October 1994 (age 31) | 30 | 0 |  Al Ittihad Misurata |
| 3 | 2DF | Sean Fusire | (2005-05-31)31 May 2005 (age 20) | 4 | 0 | Sheffield Wednesday |
| 4 | 2DF | Munashe Garananga | (2001-01-18)18 January 2001 (age 25) | 17 | 1 |  Copenhagen |
| 5 | 2DF | Divine Lunga | (1995-05-28)28 May 1995 (age 30) | 28 | 0 | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 13 | 2DF | Brendan Galloway | (1996-03-17)17 March 1996 (age 29) | 9 | 0 | Plymouth Argyle |
| 15 | 2DF | Teenage Hadebe | (1995-09-17)17 September 1995 (age 30) | 36 | 4 |  Cincinnati |
| 21 | 2DF | Godknows Murwira | (1993-07-04)4 July 1993 (age 32) | 16 | 0 | Scottland |
| 23 | 2DF | Emmanuel Jalai | (1999-01-06)6 January 1999 (age 27) | 13 | 0 | Dynamos |
| 24 | 2DF | Isheanesu Mauchi | (2002-11-28)28 November 2002 (age 23) | 1 | 0 | Simba Bhora |
| 25 | 2DF | Alec Mudimu | (1995-04-08)8 April 1995 (age 30) | 26 | 0 |  Flint Town United |
| 6 | 3MF | Prosper Padera | (2006-10-09)9 October 2006 (age 19) | 4 | 0 |  SJK |
| 8 | 3MF | Jonah Fabisch | (2001-08-13)13 August 2001 (age 24) | 9 | 0 | Erzgebirge Aue |
| 10 | 3MF | Andy Rinomhota | (1997-04-21)21 April 1997 (age 28) | 13 | 0 | Reading |
| 17 | 3MF | Knowledge Musona | (1990-06-21)21 June 1990 (age 35) | 54 | 27 | Scottland |
| 18 | 3MF | Marvelous Nakamba(captain) | (1994-01-19)19 January 1994 (age 32) | 36 | 0 | Luton Town |
| 20 | 3MF | Tawanda Chirewa | (2003-10-11)11 October 2003 (age 22) | 14 | 3 | Wolverhampton Wanderers |
| 28 | 3MF | Tapuwanashe Chakuchichi | (2003-11-28)28 November 2003 (age 22) | 1 | 0 | San Fernando |
| 7 | 4FW | Prince Dube | (1997-02-17)17 February 1997 (age 28) | 15 | 8 |  Young Africans |
| 9 | 4FW | Macauley Bonne | (1995-10-26)26 October 1995 (age 30) | 8 | 2 | Maldon & Tiptree |
| 11 | 4FW | Washington Navaya | (2003-11-19)19 November 2003 (age 22) | 2 | 0 | TelOne |
| 12 | 4FW | Bill Antonio | (2002-09-03)3 September 2002 (age 23) | 11 | 1 | Mechelen |
| 14 | 4FW | Daniel Msendami | (2000-10-24)24 October 2000 (age 25) | 13 | 0 | Marumo Gallants |
| 19 | 4FW | Tawanda Maswanhise | (2002-11-20)20 November 2002 (age 23) | 17 | 2 | Motherwell |
| 26 | 4FW | Ishmael Wadi | (1992-12-19)19 December 1992 (age 33) | 7 | 0 | CAPS United |
| 27 | 4FW | Junior Zindoga | (1998-07-28)28 July 1998 (age 27) | 1 | 0 | TS Galaxy |
The following players have been called up for Zimbabwe in the last 12 months.
| Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Marley Tavaziva | (2004-12-17)17 December 2004 (age 21) | 1 | 0 | Brentford | v. Niger, 10 June 2025 |
| DF | Peter Muduhwa | (1993-08-11)11 August 1993 (age 32) | 12 | 0 | Scottland | v. Niger, 10 June 2025 |
| MF | Jordan Zemura | (1999-11-14)14 November 1999 (age 26) | 22 | 0 | Udinese | v. Qatar, 16 November 2025 |
| MF | Marshall Munetsi | (1996-06-22)22 June 1996 (age 29) | 37 | 2 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | v. Lesotho, 13 October 2025 |
| MF | Tivonge Rushesha | (2002-07-24)24 July 2002 (age 23) | 0 | 0 | Reading | v. Rwanda, 9 September 2025 |
| MF | Richard Hachiro | (1998-01-27)27 January 1998 (age 28) | 5 | 0 | Ngezi Platinum | v. Niger, 10 June 2025 |
| MF | Mthokozisi Msebe | (2000-02-17)17 February 2000 (age 25) | 1 | 0 | Scottland | v. Niger, 10 June 2025 |
| MF | Donald Mudadi | (1996-03-02)2 March 1996 (age 29) | 0 | 0 | Simba Bhora | v. Niger, 10 June 2025 |
| MF | Mthokozisi Msebe | (2000-02-17)17 February 2000 (age 25) | 1 | 0 | Scottland | v. Nigeria, 25 March 2025 |
| FW | Walter Musona | (1995-12-12)12 December 1995 (age 30) | 20 | 4 | Scottland | v. Qatar, 16 November 2025 |
| FW | Tymon Machope | (1993-07-03)3 July 1993 (age 32) | 1 | 0 | TelOne | v. Qatar, 16 November 2025 |
| FW | Khama Billiat | (1990-08-19)19 August 1990 (age 35) | 61 | 18 | Scottland | v. Lesotho, 13 October 2025 |
| FW | Terrence Dzvukamanja | (1994-05-05)5 May 1994 (age 31) | 26 | 1 | Scottland | v. Lesotho, 13 October 2025 |
| FW | Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya | (2002-12-19)19 December 2002 (age 23) | 6 | 2 | AmaZulu | v. Lesotho, 13 October 2025 |
| FW | Tino Kadewere | (1996-01-05)5 January 1996 (age 30) | 30 | 3 |  Aris Thessaloniki | v. Rwanda, 9 September 2025 |
| FW | Tawanda Macheke | (1996-08-12)12 August 1996 (age 29) | 1 | 0 | TelOne | v. Niger, 10 June 2025 |
DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up. | ||||||
| Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peter Ndlovu | 81 | 37 | 1990–2007 |
| 2 | Adam Ndlovu | 74 | 26 | 1990–2004 |
| 3 | Francis Shonhayi | 70 | 1 | 1989–1998 |
| 4 | John Phiri | 67 | 3 | 1983–1995 |
| 5 | Khama Billiat | 63 | 18 | 2011–present |
| Dumisani Mpofu | 63 | 0 | 1996–2006 | |
| 7 | Japhet Mparutsa | 62 | 0 | 1981–1995 |
| Stanley Ndunduma | 62 | 9 | 1981–1989 | |
| Esrom Nyandoro | 62 | 4 | 2001–2012 | |
| 10 | Knowledge Musona | 58 | 27 | 2010–present |
| Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peter Ndlovu | 37 | 81 | 0.46 | 1991–2007 |
| 2 | Knowledge Musona | 27 | 58 | 0.47 | 2010–present |
| 3 | Adam Ndlovu | 26 | 74 | 0.35 | 1992–2004 |
| 4 | Agent Sawu | 21 | 47 | 0.45 | 1990–2004 |
| 5 | Khama Billiat | 18 | 63 | 0.29 | 2011–present |
| 6 | Vitalis Takawira | 13 | 40 | 0.33 | 1992–1998 |
| 7 | Shacky Tauro | 11 | 45 | 0.24 | 1980–1989 |
| 8 | Luke Jukulile | 10 | 15 | 0.67 | 2000–2001 |
| Benjani Mwaruwari | 10 | 44 | 0.23 | 1999–2010 | |
| 10 | Prince Dube | 9 | 29 | 0.31 | 2017–present |
| Cuthbert Malajila | 9 | 31 | 0.29 | 2008–2017 | |
| Stanley Ndunduma | 9 | 62 | 0.15 | 1981–1989 |
| FIFA World Cup record | Qualification record | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | ||
| 1930 to1962 | Part of United Kingdom | Part of United Kingdom | ||||||||||||||
as Rhodesia | as Rhodesia | |||||||||||||||
| 1966 | Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
 1970 | Did not qualify fromAsia/Oceania zone | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | |||||||||
| 1974 | Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
 1978 | ||||||||||||||||
| as Zimbabwe | as Zimbabwe | |||||||||||||||
| 1982 | Did not qualify from African zone | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||
| 1986 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||
| 1990 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 10 | ||||||||||
| 1994 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 10 | ||||||||||
 1998 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 10 | ||||||||||
  2002 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 6 | ||||||||||
| 2006 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 16 | ||||||||||
| 2010 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 6 | ||||||||||
| 2014 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 9 | ||||||||||
 2018 | Expelled from qualifying competition[16] | Expelled from qualifying competition | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 | Did not qualify from African zone | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 9 | |||||||||
 2026 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 12 | ||||||||||
 2030 | To be determined | To be determined | ||||||||||||||
 2034 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | — | 0/15 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 79 | 22 | 23 | 34 | 72 | 96 | ||
| Africa Cup of Nations record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances: 6 | ||||||||
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
 1957 to1980 | Not affiliated to CAF | |||||||
 1982 to 2002 | Did not qualify | |||||||
 2004 | Group stage | 14th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 8 |
| 2006 | 13th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | |
2008 to 2015 | Did not qualify | |||||||
 2017 | Group stage | 14th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| 2019 | 21st | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | |
 2021 | 17th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
 2023 | Disqualified due toFIFA suspension | |||||||
| 2025 | Group stage | 20th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
  2027 | To be determined | |||||||
 2029 | ||||||||
| Total | Group stage | 6/35 | 18 | 3 | 3 | 12 | 20 | 37 |
| African Nations Championship record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances: 5 | ||||||||
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
| 2009 | Group stage | 6th | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
 2011 | 11th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | |
| 2014 | Fourth place | 4th | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| 2016 | Group stage | 13th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 2018 | Did not qualify | |||||||
| 2020 | Group stage | 16th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| 2022 | Did not qualify | |||||||
| Total | Fourth place | 5/7 | 18 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 16 |
| African Games record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Result | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
| 1965–1987 | Did not enter | |||||||
| 1991–present | SeeZimbabwe national under-23 football team | |||||||
| Total | 4/4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| National teams |
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| League system |
| ||||
| Domestic cups |
| ||||
| Awards | |||||
| Lists | |||||
