The Chipolopolo Boys of Zambia are determined to make a strong start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign as they host Congo Brazzaville at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola today. Speaking ahead of the match, Zambia coach Avram Grant acknowledged the challenge posed by Congo Brazzaville but expressed confidence in his team's ability to get the result they need. "It's a big challenge knowing that Zambia has never been to the World Cup," Grant said. "But just like we were not at the Africa Cup for ten years but are there now, we believe we can achieve this goal." Zambia has a better head-to-head record against Congo Brazzaville, having won three of their previous five meetings and drawing two. Their last defeat to Congo Brazzaville came over two decades ago. Grant also praised the performance of new players who were given an opportunity in recent friendly matches against Egypt and Uganda. "We had two good training matches last month and tried new players who proved themselves," Grant said. "We will be ready for tomorrow's ( today) match." Today's match will be a crucial test for Zambia's ambitions of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time. With Morocco, Tanzania, Niger, and Congo Brazzaville also in the group, it will be a tough task, but Zambia is determined to show that they have the hunger for success. The Chipolopolo Boys will need to win today's match and continue to perform at a high level throughout the qualifying campaign if they are to make their World Cup dream a reality.