Japan made an impressive start to their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a commanding 5–0 victory over Zambia in their Group D opening match in Morocco on October 18, 2026.

The Japanese side delivered a dominant performance, scoring twice in the first half before adding three more goals after the break to secure all three points.

Japan’s Goal Scorers

• 9th minute – Nanami Kurita: Japan took the lead when Kurita finished Mei Hanashiro’s cut-back from inside the penalty area.
• 13th minute – Grace Phiri (own goal): Zambia’s Phiri inadvertently turned the ball into her own net, doubling Japan’s advantage.
• 72nd minute – Wara Shimizu: Shimizu headed home from a corner to make it 3–0.
• 88th minute – Nanami Kurita: Kurita scored her second goal of the match to extend Japan’s lead to four.
• 90+6th minute – Asuka Tanaka: Tanaka completed the scoring with a composed finish in stoppage time.

Japan Demonstrate Their Quality

Japan controlled the contest with effective attacking play, sharp movement and pressure on Zambia’s defence. Their early goals gave them a comfortable advantage, while their second-half performance ensured there would be no comeback from the Copper Princesses.

Kurita’s brace highlighted her finishing ability, while Shimizu and Tanaka also contributed to the emphatic victory.

Despite the defeat, Zambia will look to regroup and improve ahead of their remaining Group D fixtures as they seek to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Japan, meanwhile, will take confidence from the convincing result as they pursue qualification for the knockout stages.

Full-time result: Japan U-17 5–0 Zambia U-17

Competition: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026

Group: D

Japan’s scorers: Nanami Kurita (9′, 88′), Grace Phiri (13′, own goal), Wara Shimizu (72′), Asuka Tanaka (90+6′).

Player of the Match: Fuki Ito (Japan).

Source: FIFA and the Japan Football Association.