The Football Association of Zambia has confirmed that the Zambia national football team will face world champions Argentina national football team in a high-profile international friendly in Buenos Aires.
The match is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, at the iconic La Bombonera Stadium, marking a significant fixture for the Chipolopolo against one of football’s leading nations.
Acting FAZ General Secretary Iva Lengwe described the encounter as a major opportunity for Zambia to test themselves against top-level opposition. He said the invitation to face the reigning world champions reflects the growing respect the team has earned on the international stage.
Lengwe also confirmed that the Chipolopolo will be led by head coach George Lwandamina for the Argentina fixture. At the same time, a separate squad composed of locally based players and emerging talents will be assembled under Osward Mutapa to compete in the Botswana Four-Nations Tournament in Francistown.
“We have received an invitation to play Argentina, and it is an opportunity we simply cannot pass up. When the world champions come calling, you answer. It is a clear sign of the respect Zambia has continued to earn on the global stage. However, since this fixture falls at the same time as the Four Nations Tournament, we have decided to send our local assemblage to Francistown,” said Lengwe.
He added that both squads will be selected based on performances observed during the ongoing training camp in Lusaka, with a focus on identifying players who can contribute effectively in both assignments.
Lengwe also highlighted the broader importance of the Four-Nations Tournament in Zambia’s long-term planning, particularly in preparation for the Olympics. He noted that Zambia has already confirmed its participation in the Olympic competition and that the tournament will serve as a key platform to begin building a competitive squad.
“Since we have already confirmed to FIFA that we are taking part in the Olympics, the four – nations tournament is a good platform for us to launch preparations for our Olympics team that will consist of both local and foreign – based players. The selection of both teams is expected to be thorough,” he explained.
The squad heading to Francistown is expected to depart on 25 March, while the group travelling to Buenos Aires is scheduled to leave on 27 March 2026.
The dual assignments underline Zambia’s efforts to balance immediate competitive opportunities with long-term development goals, as the federation seeks to maximise exposure for both established and emerging players on different international stages.
