Copper Princesses Drawn with Japan, France and Venezuela at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

14.07.2026 | Football DNA

The Zambia Under-17 Women’s National Team has been drawn in Group D of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup alongside Japan, France and Venezuela.

The tournament will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, with the Copper Princesses making their third consecutive appearance at the global showpiece.

Zambia will once again face familiar opponents Japan, whom they met at the previous two editions of the tournament. The Asian side defeated the Copper Princesses 4-1 during the group stage in the Dominican Republic in 2024 before claiming a 2-0 victory when the teams met again in Morocco in 2025.

Carol Kanyemba Daka's side will kick off their Group D campaign against Japan on October 18 at the Women's Football Complex Pitch 2. They will then take on Venezuela on October 21 before wrapping up the group stage against France on October 24.

The Copper Princesses booked their place at the World Cup after an outstanding unbeaten qualifying campaign. They eliminated Rwanda 4-1 on aggregate in the opening round, thrashed DR Congo 7-0 over two legs in the second round, and overcame Ethiopia 3-2 on aggregate in the final qualifying round to secure their ticket to Morocco.

Zambia will be hoping to make history by advancing beyond the group stage as they prepare to take on some of the world's best young teams in Morocco.