Following the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier draw that was conducted last Thursday, Zambian coach Charles Haalubono has given his expectations for the tie.
Zambia was drawn against Burundi in the second round of qualifications, with the match scheduled for September 19 and 27, 2025.
According to the draw, the victor of the Zambia-Burundi game will face either Uganda or Namibia in the third round of the qualification series.
There are four rounds to complete before the four qualification slots available are determined. Poland will serve as the tournament host.
In an interview with BolaNews, Haalubono, who recently led Zambia to victory in the 2024 COSAFA Women’s Championship with a perfect record, emphasized the importance of adequate preparations for the match against Burundi.
“It’s time we fought extra hard and qualified; last time it was a painful elimination by DR Congo [for the 2024 edition],” Haalubono stated.
Zambia aims to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the Under-20 level for the first time, having previously competed in the senior women’s World Cup and twice in the Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Morocco, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana represented Africa in this year’s edition, won by North Korea which took place in Colombia from the 31st of August to the 22nd of September.
Nigeria and Cameroon were the only African teams to advance beyond the group stages of the 2024 tournament; however, both were eliminated in the Round of 16.
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