The Copper Queens of Zambia will close the year ranked fourth in Africa on the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Rankings, with Spain maintaining its position as the top team globally. The Zambian women’s national team climbed one place to 64th in the world following a 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe and a 1-1 draw against Malawi, ranked 153rd, during the recent international window.
While these results boosted Zambia’s global standing, they were not enough to maintain third position on the African continent. Ghana’s Black Queens overtook the Copper Queens, rising five places globally to secure third in Africa, trailing only Nigeria and South Africa, who continue to hold first and second positions respectively.
The Copper Queens’ performance highlights continued progress in Zambian women’s football. The victory over Zimbabwe demonstrated their attacking strength, while the draw against Malawi reinforced their resilience against lower-ranked opponents. The upward movement in the global rankings reflects the team’s consistency and growing competitiveness in international women’s football.
Despite the slip in continental ranking, Zambia remains a leading force in African women’s football. The team’s focus on development, strategic coaching, and international exposure positions them well for future tournaments, including continental championships and FIFA competitions. The Copper Queens will look to build on this momentum in the coming year to reclaim a higher standing in Africa and improve their global ranking.