Zambia awarded 3–0 victory after Congo suspended from World cup qualifier

Zambia has been awarded a 3–0 victory and three points for their unplayed 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Congo Brazzaville, originally scheduled for March 25, 2025.

The decision followed FIFA’s suspension of Congo from international football due to third-party interference.

Tanzania has also received a 3–0 win and three points under similar circumstances, as both fixtures fell within the suspension period.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee confirmed the ruling on Monday, citing Article 16 of its statutes.

Congo was suspended on February 6, 2025, after its government took control of the country’s football operations, violating FIFA rules on the autonomy of national football associations.

Although the Bureau of the FIFA Council has since lifted Congo’s suspension, the missed matches during the ban will not be replayed.

The ruling has reshaped the Group E standings. Morocco leads with 15 points, followed by Tanzania on nine.

Zambia and Niger are level on six points, but Zambia sits fourth on goal difference. Congo remains bottom without a point.

The revised standings have revived Zambia’s hopes of qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup.

Three matches remain: a home fixture against Morocco on September 8, an away tie with Tanzania in October, and a final home match against Niger.

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