Congo vs Zambia match cancelled due to FIFA suspension

The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match between Congo and Zambia, scheduled for March 22, has been cancelled. This decision comes after FIFA suspended the Congo football federation due to third-party interference. Congo has struggled in the qualifying campaign so far. The team has lost all three matches, placing them at the bottom of Group E. Their recent losses included a 0-1 defeat to Uganda and a 2-3 loss to South Sudan. On the other hand, Zambia has shown stronger form lately, with four wins and a draw in their last five competitive games. However, they have only one win in the current qualifying round. FIFA announced the suspension of Congo's football federation on February 7, 2025, citing violations of its rules. Congo has denied the allegations. FIFA stated that the suspension would be lifted only if certain conditions are met, including the return of control of facilities to the national federation, FECOFOOT.