Zambia’s Copper Princesses have been drawn in Group D alongside three-time champions Japan, France and Venezuela for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with the Football Association of Zambia urging the technical bench to begin preparations immediately.
The draw pits Zambia against a highly experienced Japanese side making their seventh World Cup appearance, while France, Venezuela and Zambia are each competing in their third edition of the tournament. Zambia will renew a familiar rivalry with Japan, having lost to them 4-1 at the 2024 Dominican Republic edition and 2-0 at the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
Coach Carol Kanyemba’s side will open their campaign on October 18 against Japan at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with the broader group-stage schedule to follow as preparations intensify over the coming months.
Sources: News Diggers — U-17 girls to face Japan, France, Venezuela
