In a significant move, the Zambian government has halted financial support for the national men's football team, Chipolopolo, after their disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The announcement, made through a joint statement by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts and the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), follows a recent 1–0 defeat at home against Niger, sealing the team’s fate in the qualification race.

Initially, Zambia's campaign began with hope, highlighted by a morale-boosting 1–0 victory over Tanzania. However, the final match against Niger revealed critical flaws in the team's performance and strategy. Ghanaian striker Daniel Sosah scored the decisive goal in the 56th minute, marking a double defeat for Chipolopolo, who had previously lost 2–1 to Niger in Morocco.

With only 9 points from 8 matches, Zambia's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup were extinguished, leaving them trailing behind Niger, who secured 15 points. The government expressed deep concern regarding the national team's poor performance in recent international matches, questioning the justification for continued funding amid such unsatisfactory results.

The statement emphasized the significant financial resources allocated to support the team, including accommodation, travel expenses, winning bonuses, and a portion of the coach's salary. As taxpayers bear the cost, the government has called for clear reasoning from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) regarding the continuation of funding.

In a bid for transparency, the Ministry outlined several inquiries, including measures to improve the team’s performance, monitoring the head coach's adherence to contract terms, and the rationale for sustaining government support despite poor results.

The government reiterated the importance of football as a pillar of Zambia's cultural identity, capable of uniting communities and inspiring youth. However, they stressed the necessity for public investment to yield tangible results, echoing a commitment to fostering a more sustainable future for football in Zambia.

As the nation grapples with this setback, the focus now shifts to rebuilding the team and restoring the faith of fans and stakeholders alike.