The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw is officially scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, United States. This edition of the tournament promises to be historic, as it will be jointly hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will feature 48 nations, up from the previous 32.
For Zambia’s Chipolopolo Boys, the road to the World Cup remains open. Following a 3-point award from their unplayed match against Congo Brazzaville in March, Zambia now sits on six points, equal with Niger and Tanzania in their qualifying group. Congo Brazzaville had been temporarily banned by FIFA due to third-party interference in Fecofoot, clearing the way for Zambia’s points boost.
Despite their progress, the group remains challenging. Morocco’s Atlas Lions top the group with 15 points, having won all five of their opening matches. Zambia will face a crucial home clash against Morocco at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Monday, September 8, a match that could determine the group’s runner-up position.
Qualification Structure: Winners of each CAF qualifying group will secure automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026. Meanwhile, the four best runners-up across all groups will enter a CAF Play-Off Tournament, with the winner advancing to the FIFA Play-off Tournament, keeping hopes alive for teams like Zambia.
The Chipolopolo are now in a tense race for a second-place finish in their group, where every point is vital. Success in the upcoming qualifiers will be pivotal for Zambia’s aspirations of reaching a second-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.
CAF World Cup 2026 Qualifiers | Key Fixtures for Zambia:
September 8, 2025: Zambia vs Morocco, Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola
Remaining matches will determine CAF Play-Off contenders.
