Zambia’s Under-15 boys’ national team has departed Lusaka for Baku, Azerbaijan, ahead of the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival, which runs from 24 to 31 October 2026.
The Junior Chipolopolo left Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 21:00 on Tuesday, beginning their journey to the week-long international competition.
Head coach Brian Kunsanama has named a 13-player squad for the tournament, with the team featuring young prospects drawn from secondary schools, primary schools and football academies across the country.
The squad includes two goalkeepers, three defenders, five midfielders and three strikers as Zambia prepares to test its emerging talent on the international stage.
Munali Boys Secondary School goalkeeper Abraham Bwalya and Billy Pro Sports’ Patrick Mudenda are the two goalkeepers selected, while Moses Mushota of Barotse Crocs, Maybin Phiri of Mockved and Thomson Mwashilindji of Young Crocs make up the defensive options.
The midfield department features Moses Munkombwe of Munali Boys Secondary School, Adrian Kasanda of Mpelembe Secondary School, Jabulani Nyirenda of Arakan Secondary School, Peter Mwansa of Mahatma Gandhi and Chrispin Katoba of Kine Primary School.
Up front, Kunsanama will look to Benson Bwalya of Tunduya Primary School, Samuel Musonda of Sporting Lusaka and Maksen Msimuko of Young Crocs to provide the attacking threat.
The tournament offers Zambia’s young players an opportunity to gain valuable international experience while representing the country at a global youth football event.
Zambia U15 squad for FIFA World Cup and Festival 2026
Goalkeepers
- Abraham Bwalya – Munali Boys Secondary School
- Patrick Mudenda – Billy Pro Sports
Defenders
- Moses Mushota – Barotse Crocs
- Maybin Phiri – Mockved
- Thomson Mwashilindji – Young Crocs
Midfielders
- Moses Munkombwe – Munali Boys Secondary School
- Adrian Kasanda – Mpelembe Secondary School
- Jabulani Nyirenda – Arakan Secondary School
- Peter Mwansa – Mahatma Gandhi
- Chrispin Katoba – Kine Primary School
Strikers
- Benson Bwalya – Tunduya Primary School
- Samuel Musonda – Sporting Lusaka
- Maksen Msimuko – Young Crocs
