Kenya Makes History with First Ever FIFA World Cup Knockout Qualification
Kenya’s U17 women’s team, the Junior Starlets, made history fter booking a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday, October 25th, 2026.
The Junior Starlets managed to secure their spot after thrashing minnows Samoa 4-0 to finish third in Group E with three points, behind China PR who topped the group with nine points, while the USA finished second with six.
The Mildred Cheche charges also ended Canada’s hopes of progressing, with the North Americans having pinned their chances on Samoa holding Kenya off with the convincing win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The two sides were separated only by goal difference, but the Junior Starlets did their part, securing a historic place in the knockout stage.
Bouncing back from 3-0 and 6-1 defeats to China PR and the USA, respectively, Mwanakombo Bakari netted a brace against Samoa, while Brenda Awuor and Guadancia Maloba each added a goal. This was despite Weey Atieno having her penalty saved.
With the knockout-stage pairings already confirmed, the history-making Junior Starlets will now prepare to face heavyweights Japan on Thursday, October 29, at Pitch 3 of the the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm EAT.
Japan, presents a considerably tougher challenge.
The Little Nadeshiko boast an impressive record in youth women's football, having won the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2014 and finished runners-up in 2010 and 2016.
Japan have also dominated the continental stage, winning the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup four times, in 2005, 2011, 2013 and 2019.
The winner will face either Argentina or Ghana in the quarter-finals, scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026.
The Junior Starlets, the only Kenyan football team to have ever graced a World Cup, are making just their second appearance at the global showpiece, having achieved the historic feat in 2024 in the Dominican Republic.
Back then, they were eliminated in the group stage after finishing third behind England and North Korea, despite recording their first-ever victory with a 2-1 triumph over Mexico.
Now, on a different level, the Junior Starlets will be eager to prove themselves against stronger opposition, with their sights set on making an even deeper run and progressing beyond the Round of 16.
Junior Starlets’ 2026 U-17 World Cup Group F Results and Fixtures
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.
Round of 16 Fixture
Kenya vs Japan – October 29, 2026 – Mohammed VI Football Complex, 9 PM EAT.