Zambia’s Under-17 Women’s National Team, the Copper Princesses, now know the opponents they must overcome at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after the official tournament draw placed them in Group D. The draw has set up an exciting challenge for the young Zambian side, who will face football powerhouses Japan and France alongside South American representatives Venezuela. The tournament promises to be one of the most competitive editions in the history of the competition, with 24 teams battling for the prestigious world title. Zambia will be aiming to continue its impressive rise in international women’s football by delivering strong performances on the global stage. The Copper Princesses enter the tournament with growing confidence following another successful qualification campaign and the experience gained from previous World Cup appearances.
One of the biggest storylines in Zambia’s group is the renewal of its rivalry with Japan. Coach Carol Kanyemba’s side has become familiar with the Asian giants after facing them in two recent international tournaments. The Copper Princesses first met Japan during the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where the Japanese secured a 4-1 victory. The two nations crossed paths again in Morocco in 2025, with Japan once again emerging victorious by a 2-0 scoreline. Those previous encounters have provided Zambia with valuable lessons, and the team will be determined to use that experience to produce a stronger performance when they meet again in Morocco.
In addition to Japan, Zambia faces equally demanding matches against France and Venezuela. France has consistently developed talented youth players and is widely regarded as one of Europe’s strongest women’s football nations. Venezuela has also made significant progress in youth football over recent years and will provide another difficult test for the Copper Princesses. Every match in Group D is expected to be fiercely contested, making tactical discipline, teamwork and consistency essential for Zambia’s hopes of advancing. The competitive nature of the group means every point could prove decisive in determining which teams progress to the knockout rounds.
The Copper Princesses will begin their World Cup journey on 18 October when they take on Japan at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Pitch 2. It will be an opportunity for Zambia to make an early statement against one of the tournament favorites while seeking revenge for previous defeats. Four days later, the team will face France on Pitch 4 at the same venue in another important group fixture. Zambia’s final group match will come against Venezuela on the country’s Independence Day, adding extra significance and motivation for the players as they look to make their nation proud. Every fixture will play a vital role in determining whether Zambia can secure a place in the knockout stages.
The tournament format offers additional opportunities for teams to advance beyond the group stage. The top two teams from each of the six groups will automatically qualify for the Round of 16. Four additional places will be awarded to the best third-placed teams, ensuring that strong performances throughout the group stage can still be rewarded even if a team does not finish in the top two. This format means every goal, every point and every result will carry great importance. Zambia will therefore aim to remain competitive in all three matches to maximize its chances of progressing.
Coach Carol Kanyemba will be hoping to build on the momentum that has seen the Copper Princesses establish themselves among Africa’s leading youth teams. The squad has demonstrated resilience, determination and steady improvement throughout its qualification campaign. The coaching staff has worked hard to prepare the players both physically and mentally for the demands of international competition. Facing elite football nations will require discipline, tactical awareness and confidence, qualities that Zambia has continued to develop over recent years. The World Cup will provide another valuable opportunity for the young players to gain experience against some of the world’s best emerging talent.
Zambia secured its place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Ethiopia 3-2 on aggregate in a closely contested qualification tie. The victory highlighted the team’s fighting spirit and ability to perform under pressure when qualification was at stake. By earning another place at the global tournament, the Copper Princesses continued the country’s remarkable record in youth women’s football. Zambia has now qualified for three consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cups, taking its overall tally to four appearances at this level. This achievement reflects the continued investment in youth development and the growing strength of women’s football across the country.
The repeated qualification for major international tournaments has positioned Zambia as one of Africa’s most consistent performers in women’s youth football. Each appearance on the world stage provides valuable exposure for young players and contributes to the long-term growth of the national teams. Many players who compete at the Under-17 level gain the experience needed to eventually represent the senior Copper Queens in continental and global competitions. This pathway has become an important part of Zambia’s football development strategy and continues to produce talented athletes capable of competing internationally. Success at youth level also inspires more young girls across the country to pursue football as a career.
The Copper Princesses head into the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup knowing they face a challenging group, but they also carry valuable experience and growing belief in their abilities. Matches against Japan, France and Venezuela will test every aspect of the team’s game while offering an opportunity to showcase Zambia’s continued progress in women’s football. With qualification already marking another significant achievement, the focus now shifts to making history by advancing to the knockout rounds. Strong preparation, disciplined performances and confidence will be essential if the Copper Princesses are to compete successfully against some of the world’s strongest youth teams. As the tournament approaches, Zambia’s young stars will be determined to represent their nation with pride and continue building the country’s impressive reputation on the international stage.