Zambia have parted ways with former Chelsea manager Avram Grant after a disappointing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, the national football association confirmed on Wednesday.

The Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) lost at home to Tanzania, Morocco, and Niger and finished fourth in the group under the 70-year-old Israeli.

Grant was more successful in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying, taking the southern Africa country to successive tournaments.

Zambia exited the 2024 AFCON after the first round in Côte d'Ivoire, and will face 2025 hosts Morocco, Mali, and the Comoros in Group A this December.

Charting a 'new way forward'

Announcing the termination of the contract with Grant, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) said it was necessary in order to "chart a new way forward for the Chipolopolo."

Referring to Zambia, Grant wrote on social media that he hopes "one day this great country qualifies for a World Cup for the first time in its long football history."

Grant was hired by Zambia in December 2022 having previously guided Ghana to second place at the 2015 AFCON and fourth in the following edition.

After coaching four Israeli clubs from 1986, then the national team, Grant was hired by Chelsea in 2007. He later managed West Ham United.