Kenya’s Junior Starlets bow out of 2026 World Cup in Round of 16 after defeat to Japan

• Junior Starlets’ historic 2026 U-17 FIFA World Cup campaign ended in the Round of 16 on Thursday, October 29.
• Japan came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Kenya at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Sale, Morocco.
• Kenya bowed out with one win and six goals scored in their second-ever appearance on the global stage.

Kenya’s Junior Starlets historic 2026 U-17 FIFA World Cup journey came to an end on Thursday night after former champions Japan staged a comeback to edge them out in a 3-1 defeat at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Sale, Morocco.

It was Kenya who took the lead against the run of play when Brenda Achieng charged towards goal and slotted the ball past Kou Kadowaki into the corner of the net, giving Mildred Cheche’s side their first-ever goal in the knockout stage.

However, they did not hold on to their advantage for long. A long-range effort from Harura Matsushita deflected into the path of Mei Hanashiro, who fired home with power.

Nanami Kurita put the 2014 champions in front when she capitalised on a loose ball in the area following a corner, with Asuka Tanaka sealing the victory late on. Japan will now face Ghana in the quarter-finals.

“I’m really proud of my team today. The World Cup is a great platform for women to express themselves, especially young girls. We scored against Japan, becoming the first team to score against them in this tournament. This shows our talent, our resilience, and what we are capable of,” said coach Cheche.

ALSO READ: Junior Starlets make history with maiden FIFA U17 World Cup knockout qualification

While they would have loved to make even more history, it was a fairytale run for the Junior Starlets in just their second-ever appearance on the global stage.

After making history in 2024 by becoming the first Kenyan team to grace the World Cup, the Junior Starlets were determined to make their return even more memorable and prove they were worthy of competing at this level by progressing beyond the group stage, having exited at that stage on their debut.

This time, lady luck was on their side, and their improved performances yielded positive results, making them the first Kenyan national team to secure a knockout-stage berth at a World Cup.

Despite suffering 3-0 and 6-1 defeats to China PR and the USA, respectively, in the group stage, the Junior Starlets knew their final match could make all the difference.

ALSO READ: Junior Starlets 2026 World Cup campaign off to a sour start with defeat to China

They needed a convincing result against Samoa to boost their goal difference and secure a place in the knockout rounds.

On Sunday, they completed the mission in style with a commanding 4-0 victory over Samoa, edging out Canada as well, with qualification hinging on the final group-stage standings.

While they have bowed out of the competition, the record was set as well as improving from the last edition, including improving on two goals scored then to six goals in 2026.

Now, the team will regroup, learn from the experience and come back even stronger for the next edition.

• Kenya 0-3 China PR – October 19, 2026 – Mohammed VI Football Complex, 6 PM EAT.
• USA 6-1 Kenya – October 22, 2026 – Mohammed VI Football Complex, 9 PM EAT.
• Samoa 0-4 Kenya – October 25, 2026 – Mohammed VI Football Complex, 9 PM EAT.

• Kenya 1-3 Japan – October 29, 2026 – Mohammed VI Football Complex, 9 PM EAT.

• Goalkeepers: Mishel Okoyo (Wiyeta Girls), Martha Wekhomba (Nasokol Girls), Vallary Achieng (Nyakach Girls).
• Defenders: Namisi Pauline (Desert Scorpions), Grace Mumo (Madira Girls), Bevarline Awuor (Mathare Women), Ruth Mulongo (Wiyeta Girls), Daisy Adongo (Katonje Mix), Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls Primary School), Khatenje Fleviah (St. Joseph’s, Kitale).
• Midfielders: Bakari Mwanakombo (Spire Academy, USA), Beryl Okumu (Nyakach Girls), Noelina Akuku (Butere Girls), Lindey Weey Atieno (Raila School), Peninah Fostine (Nyakach Girls).
• Forwards: Brenda Achieng (Kakamega Hill), Elizabeth Alizeba (Oding’ Primary), Emily Adhiambo (Nyakach Girls), Wambui Tabitha (Mathare United Women), Joan Agola (Nyakach Girls), Gaudancia Maloba (LWAK Girls).