Zambia’s women’s national team has been handed a major global stage after FIFA confirmed the full line-up for the expanded FIFA Series 2026, placing the Copper Queens in a high-profile group hosted by Brazil.
In an announcement that underlines FIFA’s push for broader global participation, the FIFA Series 2026 will feature 48 national teams from all six confederations, competing in 12 groups during the March and April international window. For Zambia, the confirmation signals another important step in the steady rise of women’s football in the country.
The Copper Queens will compete in Brazil against the hosts, Canada, and the Republic in one of three women’s groups selected for the tournament. The group brings together teams from CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, AFC, and CAF, offering Zambia rare cross-confederation encounters against some of the world’s most established women’s sides ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Zambia’s inclusion reflects the growing respect the team has earned on the international stage in recent years. With consistent appearances at major tournaments and an expanding global profile, the Copper Queens now find themselves part of an initiative designed to accelerate both technical and organisational development.
FIFA has said, “all matches will be broadcast globally, ensuring that Zambia’s performances reach audiences far beyond Africa and further boosting the visibility of the national team.”
The FIFA Series 2026 is structured to bring together teams with diverse competitive backgrounds, reinforcing its development-driven philosophy. While some participants are among the highest-ranked nations in the world, others are still building their international identities
FIFA also said it will announce match schedules in due course.
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