After almost three years of not hosting international matches, the National heroes stadium will host matches after a temporary approval granted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The approval follows a CAF technical assessment mission conducted at the stadium from October 19 to 22.
The Stadium was closed in 2024 by the Ministry of Youth, Sport after its playing surface and surrounding infrastructure deteriorated to what authorities described as a deplorable state, rendering it unfit for both domestic and international matches.
In reality it had stopped hosting international football even earlier — since mid-2023 after failing a FIFA/CAF inspection.
The stadium is recently under major rehabilitation — new hybrid turf, drainage, and other repair works.
FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya confirmed the development to FAZ Media following a communique from CAF dated October 28, 2026.
“We are pleased that CAF has granted National Heroes Stadium temporary Category 3 approval for November. The assessment confirms that the stadium meets the key requirements for hosting CAF/FIFA matches,” Chakatazya said.
First test run, the Chipolopolo boys to take on Burundi in the first leg of the 2027 AfCON qualifier on 13th November, 2026.
Two days later, the stadium will also host the 2028 Olympic qualifier between the Zambia U-23 side take on Burkina Faso.
“We are grateful to the government for the works undertaken at the stadium, which CAF has acknowledged. We also thank our fans for their patience as we worked towards securing this approval,” Chakatazya said.
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