FA Cup delay aids Zebras' World Cup preparations

He said this will accord the national team more time to prepare for the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The final will be held at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium and kick-off is at 3pm. Speaking at a press briefing this week, Mfolo stated that the Zebras are preparing for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uganda and Somalia. They are set to lock horns with the Cranes on June 7 at 6pm and then take on Somalia at 3pm three days later (June 10). Both games are away fixtures.

“There was a chance to have the FA Cup final played on June 1 as most would have predicted, but we decided that it be on the 15th so that the national squad can have more days on camp. We wanted the coach to have nine days on camp with his players,” Mfolo said. Mfolo highlighted that the next fixtures are crucial for the Zebras as they aim to top the group. Botswana currently sits in second position with three points. The Zebras lost the opening game against Mozambique by 3-2 and won 1-0 against Guinea. Meanwhile, Galaxy are looking to end the season in style as they hope for a double blessing to stun their rival and win the cup. Orapa on the other hand will be looking to make up for a bad season by clinching the title.