Junior Starlets Name Final Squad for 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Kenya’s Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has named her final squad for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with the team set to begin its Group E campaign against China PR on Monday, October 19.

The squad blends players who featured in Kenya’s qualifying campaign with new faces hoping to make an impact on the global stage.

Among the newcomers are Peninah Fostine and Joan Agola, who impressed during the training camp and earned places in the final team.

Mwanakombo Bakari, who arrived from the United States on October 15, has also linked up with the squad in Morocco as preparations enter their final phase.

However, Faith Boke will miss the tournament after failing to recover from an injury in time. The player is continuing with rehabilitation as she works towards regaining full fitness.

Junior Starlets prepare for World Cup opener

The Kenyan team travelled to Morocco on October 8, giving the players valuable time to acclimatise to the conditions ahead of the tournament.

Cheche’s charges have also played two build-up friendlies against Ghana’s U17 team and Sporting Club Casablanca as part of their preparations.

The matches provided the technical bench with an opportunity to assess the squad and fine-tune its approach before the group-stage fixtures.

Kenya will face a challenging test in Group E, beginning with China PR before taking on the United States and Samoa.

The Junior Starlets will be hoping to make a strong start against China and build momentum as they pursue a place in the knockout stages.

Full list of Kenya’s Junior Starlets squad

Coach Cheche has selected players from schools, academies and clubs across the country, with the final squad divided into four departments.

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

Junior Starlets’ Group E World Cup fixtures

Kenya’s group-stage campaign will be played at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco.

With the squad assembled and preparations underway in Morocco, the focus now shifts to the opening match against China PR.

The Junior Starlets will be looking to turn their preparations into strong performances as they represent Kenya at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.