Barbra Banda tells Zambia how to qualify for FIFA Women’s World Cup

Zambia women’s national team captain Barbra Banda has revealed how the Copper Queens can secure their place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Orlando Pride forward was reacting to Zambia’s performance during the just concluded FIFA Women’s Series in Brazil. The Copper Queens played three matches, managing a 1-1 draw against South Korea, and losing to Canada, and Brazil.

IT ENDS 1-1 AT THE ARENA PANTANAL!#WeAreCopperQueens, #Fazfootball, #FIFAseries2026 pic.twitter.com/glPXTtvCmG

— FAZ (@FAZFootball) April 18, 2026

The Copper Queens had something to smile about despite having finished fourth at the FIFA Series Brazil 2026 tournament. After their 1-1 draw with South Korea that saw Banda take her tally to two goals at the tournament, the Copper Queens were awarded medals at the Arena Pantanal.

Zambia need to prepare adequately

“For us to go back to the World Cup, it will take a lot because we need to build our team very well,” said Banda. “We need to prepare adequately going into the WAFCON because those are the games that are going to determine if we’re going to qualify.

“We just need good preparations. We need an early camp, proper team organisation and everything. The team is there — we have quality players — all we need is good preparation.”

The striker, who scored both of Zambia’s goals during the tournament, also reflected on the value of competing against top-ranked opposition.

“The quality of games that we played are very good for us because these are high-profile teams that we are supposed to learn from. From my experience, I’ve learned from each of the teams we’ve faced.”

Banda added: “Not the result we wanted, but I think we’ve done well. We dominated the game and just need to concentrate more in key moments.”

With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations looming, Banda has called for unity and continued support from fans as Zambia aim to build towards another historic World Cup appearance.

“To the fans, please continue supporting us,” she said. “We’ll keep working hard and surely get good results.”

Zambia finished fourth in Brazil

Zambia fell 4-0 to Canada before suffering a 6-1 loss to hosts Brazil and wound up with a 1-1 draw with South Korea.

The Copper Queens were using the FIFA Series tournament as part of preparation for the Women Africa Cup of Nations to be played in July/August in Morocco with top four teams qualifying for the FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Brazil.

The ‘FIFA Series’, a friendly tournament directly organized by FIFA to activate intercontinental exchange, officially launched this year after a pilot run in 2024.

The women’s division of this tournament is held in four countries: Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Thailand, and Kenya. Korea was invited by Brazil, the host of next year’s Women’s World Cup.