The Zambia National Team are likely to play their opening FIFA World Cup™ 2026 qualifiers outside the country.
The ZamFoot Crew that the two major stadia, Levy Mwanawasa Stadium and Heroes Stadium may not be worked on in time to host the opening matches.
The Government through the Ministry of Sports is set to start the tender process next week which may take up to six works followed by scrutiny.
Levy and Heroes have already been certified unfit by the Confederation of African football (CAF) and the two continental representatives FC MUZA and Power Dynamos have only been given conditional permission for the preliminary rounds.
The first round of matches will take place between 13th and 21st November.
Zambia were drawn in Group E alongside 2022 World Cup semi finalists, Morocco.
Apart from the North African giants, Chipolopolo will also face Congo Brazzaville, Tanzania, Niger and Eritrea.
Winners of each Group will automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup™ 2026.
The four best runners-up (from the Groups) will play in a CAF Play-Off tournament.
The winner of the CAF Play-Off Tournament will play in the FIFA Play-off Tournament.
The matches will take place over ten match days during the next two years: 13-21 November 2023; 3-11 June 2024; 17-25 March 2025; 1-9 September 2025; 6-14 October 2025; 10-18 November 2025 (Play-offs)
TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE 😡😡😡
Shame
To qualify we need to get at the very least a point/ draw in Morocco AND win every home game.
Now… no …home… games !
We heard months ago the pitches were buggered up in both Ndola and Lusaka. Why wasn’t anything done, after all its just grass that has to grow nicely… not like a new retractable roof or something that had to be installed.Why does FAZ keep shooting itself in the foot!
Just like last WC qualifying Tunisia took an easy 6 points off us and got through to Qatar. Now it’s Morocco.
One more thing it’s Niger…Niger….Niger….. not Nigeria!
This FAZ administration is inept. They do some things well and neglect others. They happen yo neglect the most critical aspects of the game. They are like a student who just wants to study subjects they like but to get a whole degree one needs to show competency in a range of areas related to or complementary to the entire degree program.
At this rate if FAZ was a degree seeking student, they will not graduate.
This could have been of economic significant to our mother country through gate takings. Faz facilitate for face lifts. It is not about watching football but Financial boost to our country.
What’s the issue with our two stadia? Your story is incomplete.