Kenya learn path to 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup

Kenya’s U17 girls’ national team, the Junior Starlets, have learned their path to the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup following the official draw held in Rabat, Morocco.

The qualifiers present another opportunity for the Junior Starlets to assert their growing presence on the continental stage as they seek qualification for a second FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup appearance.

First round: Namibia challenge

The Junior Starlets will begin their campaign in the first round, where they are set to face Namibia over two legs. The first leg will be played between April 10 and 12, 2026, with the return leg scheduled for April 17 to 19, 2026.

The opening round will be crucial as Kenya looks to build momentum early in the qualification process. Should Kenya progress past Namibia, the Junior Starlets will advance to the second round, where they will face the winner between Zimbabwe and Uganda.

‎The first leg of the second round will take place between May 22 and 24, 2026, followed by the return leg from May 29 to 31, 2026.

The third and final round will see the winner of the Zimbabwe or Uganda versus Namibia or Kenya tie face the winner from the matchup involving Botswana or Tanzania against Central African 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.

Second round: Regional rivalry looms

Should the Junior Starlets overcome Namibia, they will advance to the second round, where they will face the winner of the tie between Zimbabwe and Uganda. This stage promises to be particularly intense, given the regional familiarity and rivalry that often characterize East and Southern African matchups.

The first leg of the second round is scheduled for May 22 to May 24, 2026, with the return leg to be played between May 29 and May 31, 2026. At this point in the qualifiers, the margin for error becomes slimmer, and squad depth, tactical flexibility, and composure under pressure will be decisive factors.

For Kenya, advancing through this stage would underline their status as one of the continent’s emerging forces in women’s youth football.

Final round: One step from the World Cup

The third and final round will determine which teams secure qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. In this decisive phase, the winner of the Zimbabwe/Uganda versus Namibia/Kenya pathway will face the winner from another challenging bracket involving Botswana or Tanzania, against either Central African Republic or South Africa.

These decisive ties will also be played over two legs, with the first leg scheduled between July 3 and July 5, 2026, and the return leg set for July 10 to July 12, 2026. Success at this stage will secure a coveted ticket to the World Cup, making it the most demanding and emotionally charged phase of the entire qualification process.