The Zambia Under-17 Women’s National Team has been drawn in Group D of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where they will face Japan, France and Venezuela in Morocco.
The tournament will run from 17 October to 7 November 2026, with the Copper Princesses making their third consecutive appearance at the global showpiece under head coach Carol Kanyemba Daka.
Zambia will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time as they prepare to take on three formidable opponents.
Japan Reunion Awaits
The draw has set up another meeting between Zambia and Japan, who have become familiar opponents for the Copper Princesses.
The two sides met during Zambia’s previous two FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaigns.
Japan claimed a 4-1 victory during the group stage in the 2024 tournament in the Dominican Republic before recording another 2-0 win when they faced Zambia again at the 2025 edition in Morocco.
The Copper Princesses will now be hoping to make it third time lucky when they face the Asian giants in their opening match.
Group D Fixtures
Zambia will begin their campaign against Japan on 18 October at the Women’s Football Complex Pitch 2, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
The Copper Princesses will then take on Venezuela on 21 October at Women’s Football Complex Pitch 4, with kick-off at 18:00.
Their final group fixture will be against France on 24 October, with kick-off also set for 18:00.
Zambia’s Group D Fixtures
📅 18 October
🇿🇲 Zambia vs Japan 🇯🇵
🕒 15:00
📅 21 October
🇿🇲 Zambia vs Venezuela 🇻🇪
🕕 18:00
📅 24 October
🇿🇲 Zambia vs France 🇫🇷
🕕 18:00
Road to Morocco
The Copper Princesses booked their place at the World Cup after an outstanding unbeaten qualifying campaign.
Carol Kanyemba’s side:
- Defeated Rwanda 4-1 on aggregate in the first round.
- Thrashed DR Congo 7-0 on aggregate in the second round.
- Eliminated Ethiopia 3-2 on aggregate in the final qualifying round.
The successful campaign secured Zambia’s third consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification and fourth appearance overall, having first qualified for the tournament in Costa Rica in 2014.
A Chance to Make History
The 2026 tournament presents another opportunity for Zambia’s talented youngsters to showcase their quality on the world stage.
With valuable experience gained from recent editions, the Copper Princesses will be aiming to compete strongly against some of the world’s best youth teams and make history by reaching the knockout stages.
Conclusion
The Copper Princesses now know the challenge that awaits them in Morocco.
Although drawn in a difficult group, Zambia has shown tremendous growth over recent years and will head into the tournament full of belief as they seek another memorable FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign.
