- Junior Starlets to face Namibia in U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
- Kenya must navigate a full three-round knockout format to secure one of the four available slots.
- Morocco will host the tournament in October/November 2026.
Kenya will start their quest for qualification to the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup against Namibia after CAF concluded the draw in Rabat, Morocco.
This marks the beginning of a fresh journey for the Junior Starlets, who are eager to return to the global stage following the historic maiden appearance in 2024.
The opening round will see Mildred Cheche’s side travel to Namibia for the first leg between April 10 and 12, before hosting the return match in Nairobi between April 17 and 19.
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Junior Starlets to face Namibia in U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
Unlike their previous campaign where they benefited from a bye, the Kenyan girls must now navigate a full three-round knockout format to secure one of the four available slots for African nations at the expanded 24-team tournament in Morocco.
The team carries the experience of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where they made history as the first Kenyan team to ever feature in a FIFA World Cup tournament .
Although they were eliminated in the group stage, the Junior Starlets left a lasting impression by securing a 2-1 victory over Mexico in their final match. This victory followed tough opening defeats to England who won 2-0, and the eventual world champions North Korea, who handed them a 3-0 loss.
If they successfully overcome Namibia, they will advance to the second round in May setting up a clash between the winner of the Uganda vs Zimbabwe first round tie.
Success in that stage would move them into the third and final qualifying round in July, potentially pitting them against opponents like Tanzania, Botswana, Central Africa Republic or South Africa.
‎The decisive ties will be played over two legs, with the first leg scheduled for July 3 – 5, 2026, and the return leg set for July 10 – 12, 2026. Success at this stage will secure a coveted place at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
Morocco will host the tournament in October and November 2026 for the second of five consecutive editions through to 2029.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Under-20 women’s national team, the Rising Starlets will face off against regional rivals Tanzania in a two-legged tie scheduled for February 2026, with the first leg set to take place in Nairobi between February 6 and 8.
Should the Rising Starlets navigate past Tanzania, they will move into the fourth and final round of qualification, where they are slated to meet the winner of the clash between Cameroon and Botswana for a place to the 2026 FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
