2026 WCQ: Zambia and Niger chase final hopes

Zambia and Niger will meet on Sunday afternoon in Lusaka for their final Group stage fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with kick-off set for 13:00 GMT.

The encounter marks Matchday 10 of the African qualifying campaign.

For Niger, the stakes could not be higher.

The Mena travel to face a Zambian side already out of contention but eager to end their campaign on a positive note in front of home supporters.

The game will be broadcast live on New World Sport, beIN Sports, SSC, and Sportklub.

Zambia, despite flashes of promise earlier in the qualifiers, saw their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup end prematurely after a series of inconsistent performances.

The Chipolopolo will, however, view this fixture as a chance to restore pride and build momentum for upcoming continental competitions.

Niger, on the other hand, enter the match knowing only victory will give them a slim mathematical chance of staying in the qualification picture.

Their campaign has been marked by resilience and determination, even against some of Africa’s strongest sides.

Sunday’s tie presents one final test of their ability to handle pressure away from home.

With nothing to lose, Zambia may adopt an open, attacking approach — a style that has earned them admiration despite mixed results.

Their supporters will expect a spirited display from a young team still seeking consistency and identity after an underwhelming qualification run.

Niger’s strategy will likely focus on discipline and counterattacks, a method that has brought them success in moments throughout the qualifiers.

The Mena will rely heavily on teamwork and defensive organisation to keep Zambia at bay while searching for opportunities to strike on the break.

The match offers both teams an opportunity to conclude their campaigns with a statement performance — for Niger, to prove their progress on the continental stage; for Zambia, to show pride and promise for the future.

As the final whistle draws nearer to closing out the qualification journey for both sides, all eyes will be on Lusaka to see whether Niger can keep their faint hopes alive or if Zambia will finish with a morale-boosting home victory.