FAZ in Talks Over Potential Copper Queens Friendly Against England

10.05.2026 | Football DNA

The Football Association of Zambia says it is in discussions with the The Football Association over a possible international friendly match between the Zambia women's national football team and the England women's national football team ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

FAZ president Keith Mweemba confirmed the development during the 2025 FAZ Annual General Meeting held in Ndola.

Speaking to the ZamFoot Crew, Mweemba revealed that discussions between the two football associations are ongoing and that England have expressed interest in facing Zambia as part of preparations for the continental tournament.

If finalized, the high-profile friendly would provide a major test for the Copper Queens as they continue their preparations for the tournament in Morocco.

Mweemba also disclosed that FAZ is planning to host a three-nation tournament in Zambia next month, with the Kenya women's national football team and the Burkina Faso women's national football team identified as potential participants.

The Copper Queens recently took part in the FIFA Series tournament in Brazil as part of their WAFCON preparations. Zambia suffered defeats against Canada women's national soccer team and hosts Brazil women's national football team before drawing with the South Korea women's national football team.

At WAFCON, Zambia has been drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria women's national football team, regional rivals Malawi women's national football team and the Egypt women's national football team.

The tournament is scheduled to run from 26 July to 16 August in Morocco and will also serve as part of the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with four automatic qualification spots available for African nations.