Zambia has confirmed its participation at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, with a three-man delegation led by Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Keith Mweemba. He is joined by FAZ Vice President Mutale Ng’andu and Acting Deputy General Secretary Iva Lengwe. The delegation departed Kenneth Kaunda International Airport this afternoon ahead of the global football meeting. The congress will bring together representatives from all 211 FIFA member associations, making it one of the most important decision-making platforms in world football. Zambia’s presence reflects its continued involvement in international football administration and governance discussions.
The 76th FIFA Congress is set for Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Canada. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced Vancouver as the host city during the FIFA Congress held in Paraguay in May 2025. The event will gather national football associations from every continent to discuss major issues affecting the sport. Key agenda items often include governance reforms, development funding, competition structures and the growth of the game at all levels. The congress serves as FIFA’s highest decision-making forum where policies and strategic directions are set.
For Zambia, attendance at the congress provides a direct platform to engage with global football leadership. FAZ President Keith Mweemba leads the delegation at a time when international engagement remains important for football development at national level. Participation allows Zambia to take part in discussions that shape funding models, development programmes and technical support systems. It also offers opportunities to strengthen ties with other member associations and FIFA officials. These engagements often translate into partnerships and support that impact domestic football structures.
The inclusion of Vice President Mutale Ng’andu and Acting Deputy General Secretary Iva Lengwe strengthens Zambia’s representation at both leadership and administrative levels. Their roles ensure that FAZ engages not only in high-level policy discussions but also in technical and operational matters. This structure allows Zambia to align international decisions with local implementation needs. It also helps build consistency between governance, competition management and development planning. Representation across different leadership roles supports stronger institutional participation in global football matters.
The FIFA Congress remains a central event in the international football calendar. It brings together all 211 member associations under one platform to address shared challenges and priorities. Discussions typically focus on football development, financial support systems, women’s football growth, youth structures and integrity in the sport. The 2026 edition in Vancouver continues this tradition of global dialogue and cooperation. It also provides space for associations to share experiences and influence future direction of the game.
Canada’s hosting of the FIFA Congress carries historical significance, as it is only the second time the country has staged the event. The first was in Montreal in 1976, marking nearly 50 years since Canada last hosted the global football meeting. Vancouver now takes on the responsibility of welcoming delegates from across the world to the Vancouver Convention Centre. The selection of Canada reflects FIFA’s approach of rotating major events across different regions. It also highlights the country’s growing role in international football activities.
Zambia’s participation comes at a time when many football associations are focused on strengthening development systems and improving competitiveness. Engagement at FIFA level provides access to technical resources, funding opportunities and global best practices. It also allows national associations to contribute to discussions that influence the future structure of world football. For FAZ, this engagement supports efforts to strengthen domestic football administration and development pathways. International representation remains a key part of building a stronger football ecosystem at home.
The delegation led by Keith Mweemba positions Zambia within ongoing global football discussions involving governance and development. The presence of senior FAZ officials ensures that the country remains actively involved in shaping and responding to international football policies. These engagements also support long-term planning for football growth across all levels in Zambia. The outcomes of such meetings often influence how member associations structure their programmes and partnerships.