Zambia to kick-off FIFA Series campaign with Canada test

The Zambia women national team will kick off its FIFA Series campaign on April 11, against Canada at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Brazil.

According to the fixtures released by FIFA, the Copper Queens will then face hosts Brazil on April 14 before winding down their South American expedition four days later against Korea Republic.

The 2026 FIFA Series is an invitational tournament promoted by FIFA that features friendly matches between teams from different continental confederations.

This initiative will feature 48 national teams

Zambia will be among 12 female national teams picked across the globe for the 2026 edition, which will feature three different four-team series, taking place across three host countries, during the FIFA window of 13–24 April.

The host countries are Brazil, Ivory Coast and Thailand with Zambia placed in the same group with Brazil, Canada and Korea Republic.

Ivory Coast will play host to Pakistan, Mauritania and Turks and Caicos Islands (TCA) while Thailand will have Congo DR, Nepal and OFC Team.

The men’s series will feature nine different four-team series taking place across eight host countries during the FIFA window of 23-31 March. Zambia is not among the teams participating in the men’s tournament.

The FIFA Series was approved by the FIFA Council in December 2022 and is fully aligned with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027.

Its purpose is to facilitate meaningful international friendly matches between national teams from different confederations that would not normally compete against one another, thereby supporting football development both on and off the pitch.

The 2026 edition of this initiative will feature 48 national teams – representing almost a quarter of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations – competing in 12 groups of four teams each. Eleven FIFA Member Associations will host the series, with Rwanda staging two groups.

Nine groups will feature men’s national teams and three will involve women’s national teams, with all six confederations represented.

Zambia Women National Team to Open FIFA Series 2026 Against Canada

The Zambia women national team will begin its 2026 FIFA Series campaign with a high-profile clash against Canada on April 11 at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá, Brazil.

According to fixtures released by FIFA, the Copper Queens will then face tournament hosts Brazil on April 14 before concluding their South American tour against Korea Republic on April 18. The three matches will be played during the FIFA international window of April 13–24.

For the Zambia women national team, the FIFA Series presents a valuable opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition from different confederations ahead of future global competitions.

Zambia Women National Team Grouped With Brazil, Canada and Korea Republic

The Zambia women national team has been placed in one of three women’s four-team series scheduled for the 2026 edition of the FIFA Series.

In Brazil, Zambia will compete alongside:

• Brazil (Hosts)

• Canada

• Korea Republic

This grouping guarantees competitive fixtures for the Copper Queens, who continue to grow in stature following recent appearances at major international tournaments.

Brazil, as hosts, will provide a stern South American challenge. Canada, one of North America’s strongest sides, offers another top-tier test, while Korea Republic brings Asian tactical discipline and technical quality.

Facing teams from three different confederations will help the Zambia women national team diversify its experience and adapt to various playing styles.

What the FIFA Series Means for the Zambia Women National Team

The FIFA Series is an invitational tournament approved by the FIFA Council in December 2022. It aligns with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game (2023–2027) and is designed to create meaningful international friendly matches between national teams from different confederations.

For the Zambia women national team, participation in the FIFA Series is a major boost for development. These matches provide:

FIFA official website

• • Exposure to varied tactical systems

  • Increased global visibility

  • Improved FIFA ranking opportunities

  • Competitive match fitness against top nations

FIFA Series

The 2026 edition will feature 48 national teams — representing nearly a quarter of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations — competing across 12 groups of four teams each.