Juba National Stadium is the home of the South Sudan national team and the heart of football in the capital. Its renovation and reopening were among the most important steps for the game in the country.
A stadium for a new nation
When South Sudan became independent in 2011, the stadium in Juba was the obvious home for the new national team, but it needed major work to meet CAF and FIFA standards. For several years the Bright Stars had to play many "home" qualifiers at neutral venues in neighbouring countries, which cost them both money and home support.
Renovation with FIFA support
A renovation tender was announced in late 2018, and in early 2019 the South Sudan Football Association launched the renovation in partnership with FIFA, funded largely through FIFA's development programmes. Plans published in 2019 set out a seated capacity of around 7,000. In the same year the government also approved plans for a new 15,000-seat stadium in Molobor, part of a broader push for better facilities across the country.
Reopening
The renovated Juba National Stadium was officially inaugurated by President Salva Kiir in 2024. Before hosting FIFA World Cup qualifiers, it was inspected by officials to confirm it met international requirements, and stewards received training in safety and security arrangements. The stadium's return means South Sudan can again play competitive internationals in front of its own fans.
Other venues
Outside Juba, football is played at regional grounds such as Wau Stadium, which has hosted national club championship matches, and municipal pitches in state capitals. Many of these grounds have natural surfaces and limited seating, and improving them remains a priority for clubs and local associations.