The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka temporary approval to host matches in November 2026.

FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya confirmed the development to FAZ Media following a communique from CAF dated October 28, 2026. Chakatazya said the decision followed a technical assessment mission conducted at the stadium from October 19 to 22.

“We are pleased that CAF has granted National Heroes Stadium temporary Category 3 approval for November. The assessment confirms that the stadium meets the key requirements for hosting CAF/FIFA matches,” Chakatazya said.

He said the 2027 AFCON qualifier between Zambia and Burundi, whose first leg was scheduled for Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, has now been moved to National Heroes Stadium on November 13, while the Zambia U23 Vs Burkina Faso U23 2028 Olympic qualifier has also been moved to Heroes Stadium on November 15.

“We are grateful to the Government for the works undertaken at the stadium, which CAF has acknowledged. We also thank our fans for their patience as we worked towards securing this approval,” Chakatazya said.

He said CAF had also communicated outstanding concerns that needed to be addressed ahead of a further assessment. Chakatazya called on fans to turn out in numbers and fill National Heroes Stadium as the Senior and Junior Chipolopolo take on their respective opponents.