The Zambia Women’s National Team, the Copper Queens, have been drawn in Group C of the Morocco 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they will face defending champions Nigeria, Egypt, and regional rivals Malawi. The draw was conducted on Wednesday afternoon in Rabat, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive tournament.
According to the official draw, the Copper Queens will be based in Casablanca, with Larbi Zaouli Stadium designated as their home venue for the group stage. Group C is widely regarded as one of the toughest pools of the competition, pairing Zambia with Africa’s most successful women’s national team in Nigeria, a resurgent Egypt, and familiar neighbours Malawi.
Elsewhere, Group A features tournament hosts Morocco, alongside Algeria, Senegal, and Kenya. Group B includes reigning WAFCON champions South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania, while Group D comprises Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde, with matches to be played in Fes.
The Morocco 2026 WAFCON will run from March 17 to April 3, with major stakes attached to the tournament. The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, adding further significance to every group-stage fixture.
Zambia’s Growing Continental Pedigree
Zambia continues to establish itself as a major force in African women’s football. The Copper Queens made history by debuting at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2022, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, a milestone that underlined the nation’s rapid rise on the global stage.
With experience gained from recent continental and global competitions, Zambia will head into Morocco 2026 aiming not just to compete, but to challenge for a semi-final place and a second consecutive World Cup qualification. The group-stage clash against Nigeria is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the tournament.
Tournament Venues
The matches at the Morocco 2026 WAFCON will be hosted across four venues:
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Moulay Al Hassan Stadium (Rabat)
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Al Madina Stadium (Rabat)
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Larbi Zaouli Stadium (Casablanca)
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Complexe Sportif de Fès (Fes)
Conclusion
Drawn into a demanding Group C, the Copper Queens face a significant test at the Morocco 2026 WAFCON. However, with growing experience, confidence, and ambition, Zambia will be targeting progression beyond the group stage and keeping their World Cup dream alive as Africa’s elite battle for continental and global supremacy.
