Zambia’s women’s national team, the Copper Queens, will join 11 other global women’s teams in the FIFA Series 2026™, a major expansion of the international tournament that will feature 48 national teams across all six FIFA confederations. The tournament is scheduled to take place during the March and April international match windows, offering high-level competitive exposure for emerging and established football nations.
In the women’s category, Zambia has been drawn in a challenging group alongside host nation Brazil, Canada, and Korea Republic. This marks a significant opportunity for the Copper Queens to showcase their talent on a global stage and compete against some of the world’s top-ranked teams. The FIFA Series 2026 aims to provide meaningful matches for teams of all rankings, with participating women’s teams ranging from Brazil, ranked 7th globally, to Turks and Caicos, ranked 194th.
FIFA confirmed that 48 national teams will compete in 12 groups of four, representing almost 25 percent of its 211 Member Associations. Eleven countries will host events, with Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and Thailand designated for the women’s groups. Rwanda will host two men’s groups, highlighting the global reach of the series. All matches will be broadcast internationally, ensuring fans worldwide can follow their national teams.
The FIFA Series 2026 not only provides competitive matches but also supports holistic football development. Host and participating countries gain experience in event management, operational planning, referee development, and tournament organisation. This aligns with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game 2023–2027, promoting technical growth, cross-confederation competition, and organisational capacity without adding extra fixtures to the international calendar.
For the Copper Queens, competing in Brazil offers exposure to high-level international football, providing opportunities to develop skills, tactical awareness, and team cohesion ahead of future global tournaments. Match schedules for all FIFA Series 2026 events will be released in due course, setting the stage for an exciting period of international football.
Zambia’s inclusion in the FIFA Series 2026 underscores the nation’s growing presence in women’s football and highlights the potential for the Copper Queens to compete and excel on the world stage.