2026 FIFA U-17 WWC: The First African Nation to Be Eliminated from Tournament

2026 FIFA U-17 WWC: The First African Nation to Be Eliminated from Tournament 

Zambia have become the first African nation to be eliminated from the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after suffering a 1-0 defeat to France in their final Group D match on Saturday.

The Copper Princesses bowed out of the competition without a point after losing all three group-stage matches, bringing their maiden campaign at the tournament to an early end.

According to a report by FIFA, France secured the victory through Lea Motyka’s first-half strike, which proved decisive in the encounter.

Motyka scored in the 16th minute after Maelys Ane delivered a cross into the penalty area that the Zambian defence failed to clear, allowing the French forward to finish and give her side the lead.

France maintained their advantage throughout the second half to claim all three points and secure second place in Group D, while Zambia’s defeat confirmed their elimination.

The Zambians had endured a difficult start to the tournament, suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat to Japan in their opening match before losing 3-2 to Venezuela in their second outing.

Despite scoring twice against Venezuela, the Copper Princesses were unable to secure the result they needed to keep their qualification hopes alive and subsequently finished bottom of the group without a point.

Meanwhile, Japan finished top of Group D after winning all three matches, while France advanced to the Round of 16 alongside the Asian side.

Zambia’s elimination comes as other African representatives continue their campaigns in Morocco, with Nigeria and Ghana already securing places in the knockout stage.

Nigeria booked their Round of 16 ticket after defeating North Korea 3-1, with Oluebube Umejiaku, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Kanyinsola Yusuf finding the net.

Ghana also advanced after defeating Canada 2-0 in their final Group C fixture, with Linda Achiaa and Christiana Ashiaku scoring the goals that secured qualification for the Black Maidens.

The two West African sides will now carry Africa’s hopes into the knockout rounds as they seek to progress further in the competition.

#FIFAWWC