Zambia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Congo Brazzaville next month may not take place due to FIFA’s suspension of the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT).
The suspension, which bars Congo from international competitions, stems from third-party interference in the country’s football affairs, violating FIFA’s statutes. Reports indicate that the Congolese government has been involved in the management of football in the country.
“The decision was taken in consultation with CAF (Confederation of African Football) after two FIFA/CAF missions were dispatched to Brazzaville,” FIFA said in a statement.
FIFA said the suspension would only be lifted if a number of conditions were met, including the return of full control of the federation’s headquarters and other facilities to FECOFOOT.
Congo were scheduled to play Zambia on March 22; the match is now uncertain unless FIFA’s ban is lifted.
What’s next for Chipolopolo ?
Zambia is in Group E of the qualifiers, alongside Morocco, Tanzania, Congo, Niger, and Tanzania, while Eritrea withdrew.
The Chipolopolo have played four qualifiers, winning one (4-2) against Congo but losing three [2-1 to Niger, 1-0 to Tanzania, and 2-1 to Morocco].
Zambia is fourth in the group, with three points, six behind leaders Morocco, who have played one fewer game.
Given their match against Congo next month is now in doubt, the Chipolopolo will focus on Morocco, whom they will face at home in September.
The team will then face Tanzania away in October before concluding the qualifiers against Niger that same month.
To qualify for the World Cup, Zambia needs to finish top of their group. Should they fail to do so, they will hope to be among the four best-ranked second-placed teams who will make it into a playoff.
The top finisher in each of the nine groups will qualify for the World Cup, but there is hope for any of the four best runners-up who will face off in two one-off semi-finals, followed by a final.
The winner of that final will compete in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament for a spot in the World Cup.
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