The Zambia Women’s National Team, the Copper Queens, have been confirmed as participants in the expanded FIFA Series 2026™, following FIFA’s official announcement of hosts and group compositions. The tournament will feature 48 national teams drawn from all six FIFA confederations, representing nearly a quarter of the global football community and marking a major milestone in international football development.
The biennial competition, scheduled for March and April 2026, will provide Zambia with another high-profile platform to compete against elite opposition from across the world.
Copper Queens Hand Tough Group Assignment
Zambia have been drawn into one of the most competitive women’s groups at the FIFA Series 2026, where they will face hosts Brazil, Canada, and Korea Republic. Brazil, currently ranked seventh in the world, will host the group, presenting the Copper Queens with a demanding test against top-tier opposition from three different confederations.
The inclusion of Zambia in this group underlines the Copper Queens’ growing reputation on the global stage, following their consistent rise in international women’s football. Match schedules for the tournament will be announced by FIFA in due course.
Expanded FIFA Series Explained
The FIFA Series is a development-driven invitational tournament designed to create meaningful cross-confederation international fixtures without expanding the FIFA international match calendar. Following the expansion announced in November 2025, the 2026 edition will feature 12 groups of four teams, including nine men’s groups and three women’s groups.
Eleven FIFA Member Associations will host the tournament events, with Rwanda hosting two groups. Women’s fixtures will take place in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and Thailand, ensuring broad continental representation.
All FIFA Series 2026 matches will be broadcast globally, increasing access for fans while enhancing the visibility of participating national teams.
Global Reach and Development Impact
The FIFA Series 2026 brings together national teams across a wide competitive spectrum, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to inclusive football development. On the women’s side, the tournament features teams ranked as highly as Brazil and as low as emerging football nations, ensuring balanced and purposeful international competition.
Beyond the pitch, the tournament also contributes to capacity building in areas such as competition organisation, referee development, operational planning, and event delivery—mirroring the demands of major international tournaments.
Conclusion
The Copper Queens’ participation in the FIFA Series 2026 represents another significant step forward for Zambian women’s football. Competing against Brazil, Canada, and Korea Republic will provide valuable international exposure while further strengthening Zambia’s global standing.
With worldwide broadcast coverage and elite opposition, the tournament offers the Copper Queens an ideal platform to continue their development and showcase their progress on the international stage.
