Zimbabwe on Tuesday welcomed the lifting of FIFA’s ban on the country’s football association which has rekindled their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA barred Zimbabwe from participating in international football in February 2022 over government interference in the running of the sport.
FIFA lifted the ban on Monday, only two days before the draw for the African qualifiers for the next World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry described the end of the 18-month suspension as “exciting” and “incredible” at a press conference in Harare.
“Our athletes deserve that chance to get back there to live their dream. And they’re going to do that,” Coventry said.
