The island is part of the nation of the United Republic of Tanzania, which holds FIFA recognition at the international level.

The team placed second in the 2006 FIFI Wild Cup tournament, losing 4–1 on penalties to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the final.

Their U-20 team also played in the 2006 ELF Cup, finishing fourth of eight, winning one game (1–0 against Kyrgyzstan's national football team) and drawing twice (against Gagauzia and Greenland) before losing 5–0 to Northern Cyprus in the semifinal.

[3] Zanzibar won their first international trophy with the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup after defeating Burkina Faso 2–1 in the final.

[2] The invitation was rescinded in July when FIFA rules forbade two teams from one nation.