Taonga Mubanga is returning for a third U17 Women's World Cup with ambitions for Zambia to progress further. In a FIFA interview, the captain discussed a medal objective while emphasising the immediate group-stage task.
Experience across two earlier editions
Mubanga was 14 when she played all three Zambia matches in the Dominican Republic in 2024. She returned at Morocco 2025, when the team reached the knockout stage for the first time.
FIFA records seven tournament appearances before the 2026 edition. That total concerns matches played rather than victories or titles.
It leaves her five behind Deyna Castellanos' record of 12. Another tournament offers opportunities to add appearances but does not mean the record has already been matched.
Group D comes before the podium
Zambia faces Japan, France and Venezuela. Mubanga has encountered Japan at the two previous editions, while the other opponents require further study and preparation.
She stresses respect alongside belief in Zambia's ability. Those statements describe the team's approach before the matches rather than confirmed outcomes.
Her leadership message centres on work, discipline, focus and readiness. Individually, she draws inspiration from Aurelien Tchouameni and hopes to reach professional football in the next few years. That is a career ambition rather than an announced contract.
The medal target therefore remains a longer-term objective within the event. Group results will determine whether Zambia can approach it, with Mubanga's experience supporting a young team rather than guaranteeing what its third consecutive appearance will produce.