Zambia’s Women’s National Team, the Copper Queens, have announced a 38-player provisional squad as they step up preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set to be staged in Morocco.

The technical bench has confirmed that the selected players will assemble in Dubai for a residential training camp, which will also include participation in an invitational tournament aimed at sharpening the team’s readiness ahead of the continental championship.

Zambia have been drawn into Group C, where they will lock horns with Nigeria’s Super Falcons, as well as Egypt and Malawi, in what is widely regarded as one of the toughest groups of the tournament.
WAFCON 2026 carries major significance, with the top four teams securing automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Buoyed by their historic first appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2022, the Copper Queens are eager to continue their upward trajectory in women’s football. The provisional squad reflects this ambition, blending experienced home-based players with foreign-based professionals competing across Africa, Europe, and Asia.

By beginning preparations early and seeking high-level competition in Dubai, Zambia are clearly signalling their intent to challenge Africa’s established heavyweights as they target a deep run at WAFCON 2026.