Zambia and Kenya prepare for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

African national teams Zambia and Kenya are finalizing preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Zambia’s Under-17 women’s team, known as the Copper Princesses, reports being 60 percent ready. Head coach Carol Kanyemba noted that while local preparations are progressing, the team requires more high-profile international matches to gauge readiness. The squad is scheduled to play a friendly against China on October 9. Captain Taonga Mubanga stated the team is aiming for a podium finish. Zambia is placed in Group D with Japan, France, and Venezuela.

Kenya’s Under-17 women’s team, the Junior Starlets, is also preparing for its second consecutive appearance in the tournament. Coach Mildred Cheche has implemented an intensive training regimen in Nairobi, which includes matches against local women's premier league sides and boys' teams to increase physical resilience and decision-making speed. Despite some injuries, such as Faith Boke, the team is preparing for Group E opponents China, the USA, and Samoa.