FOOTBALL
Frank Rotich 7 days ago

Junior Starlets step up World Cup preparations ahead of opener against China

Kenya's Junior Starlets during training ahead of the World Cup tie against China. [FKF Media]

Kenya’s Junior Starlets are intensifying their preparations in Morocco as they count down to their opening match against China PR at the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup on Monday.

The Kenyan side will begin its Group E campaign on October 19, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm East African Time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.

The Junior Starlets have continued with their training sessions in Morocco as they fine-tune their preparations for their second appearance at the global tournament, hoping to make a strong start against their Asian opponents.

Monday’s encounter will be an important test for the Kenyan youngsters, who will be looking to translate their preparations into a positive result as they seek to progress beyond the group stage.

After facing China, Kenya will take on the United States on October 22 before concluding their group-stage campaign against Samoa on October 25. Both matches are scheduled for 8pm East African Time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

The tournament, which runs from October 17 to November 7, 2026, is being hosted by Morocco, marking another opportunity for Kenya’s young footballers to gain valuable experience on the international stage.

The Junior Starlets qualified for the competition after defeating South Africa 5-1 on aggregate, securing their place among the world’s top under-17 women’s teams.