Can Zambia qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Published By: Ayorinde Oluokun

 

 

The Chipolopolo of Zambia has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup in their entire history. Ever! They have become something of regulars at the AFCON, having qualified for 13 editions between 1990 and 2015, even winning it once in 2012. But they have not been able to take their success on the continental stage and translate it to the global stage. Can they do it this time around, though? Can the Zambia men’s senior team qualify for the 2026 World Cup? We’ll be answering that question in this article today.

 

So you see, Zambia find themselves in Group E in the CAF World Cup qualifications, and right now, they sit in 4th position, 6 points off Morocco who are currently at the top. But what makes this group more interesting than every other one is that Eritrea withdrew, so unlike every other group, only 5 teams are fighting for the ticket instead of 6.

 

As a Zambian fan, you should be happy about that development because that just increased Zambia’s odds of making it to their first ever World Cup tournament. If you feel confident that they will, and you want to bet on that, then you should find the best betting sites in Zambia and do just that. It always feels so good when you’re able to bet on a team you love and support; much better when it’s your country.

 

But even with one team out, it still won’t be easy for Zambia, especially because only one team gets automatic qualification and Morocco look pretty unstoppable right now, having not lost or even drawn a single game so far in the qualifiers.

 

• Breaking: Super Eagles draw Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania in fierce AFCON 2025 battle
• Didier Drogba reveals one of his regrets
• AFCON Qualifier: Super Eagles’ ordeal at the hands of Libyans – NFF reveals details

But Zambia did give Morocco a tough time in the away game, losing 2-1. If they can put up a fight as good as – or maybe slightly better – at home and come out with something, then they could really secure qualification.

 

But if we are being realistic here, what Zambia should be eyeing is a second place finish because knocking Morocco off 1st place seems like a really long shot. But if they do finish second, that gives them a chance to fight for qualification in the playoffs, and that’s what they should be targeting.

 

If they can beat Congo again, then make sure they win their games against Tanzania and Niger, even with a loss or a draw against Morocco, they should be able to secure 2nd place. And if they make it to the playoffs, then well, it’s anybody’s game. If the boys give it their very best then 2026 could really be their year.

 

We’re sure the players and coach would love to make history by becoming the first ever Zambia men’s senior team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, and as we’ve said, even though it will be very tough, it is surely not impossible.

 

And oh, another motivation to win their qualifying game against Morocco is that they could use it as preparation for the 2025 AFCON because they have been drawn in Group A, which means they’ll face Morocco once again at the Africa Cup of Nations.