Zambia’s Copper Princesses have qualified for a third consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Ethiopia 3-2 on aggregate in the final round of the African qualifiers.
Carol Kanyemba’s side secured their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following a 1-1 draw away to Ethiopia on Sunday, having won the first leg 2-1 in Ndola last week.
Just as she did in the first leg, Precious Mwewa gave Zambia the lead before Ethiopia equalised late in the match. However, the hosts were unable to find the goal they needed to force extra time, sending the Copper Princesses through to the global showpiece.
The qualification marks Zambia’s third successive appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup under head coach Kanyemba, who becomes the first Zambian coach to guide a national team to any FIFA tournament at any age level on three consecutive occasions.
Kanyemba will also be aiming to improve on last year’s historic campaign, when Zambia reached the Round of 16 for the first time.
Overall, this will be the Copper Princesses’ fourth appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, having previously competed in 2014, 2024 and 2025.
Zambia joins Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria as Africa’s qualified teams, alongside hosts Morocco, for the expanded 2026 tournament.
The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be staged in Morocco from 17 October to 7 November, with the Copper Princesses hoping to make history by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time.
