Mildred Cheche names final squad for FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup

Kenya's national women under-17 team, Junior Starlets, head coach Mildred Cheche has finalised her travelling squad for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.

The final squad  combines experience with new energy. The bulk of the squad is made up of players who featured in the qualifying campaign, while several fresh talents have been brought in to add depth. Among the newcomers are Peninah Fostine and Joan Agola, who impressed during camp and earned their places.

Mwanakombo Bakari has joined the squad, arriving from the USA on Thursday, October 15 to link up with the team in Morocco.

Faith Boke misses out on the final squad after being unable to recover from an injury in time. She continues her rehabilitation as she works her way back to full fitness.

The team travelled to Morocco on October 8 and has had time to acclimatize. They played two build-up friendlies, against Ghana U17 and Moroccan side Sporting Club Casablanca, to finalise their preparations.

Junior Starlets launch their Group E campaign against China PR on October 19, before facing the United States on October 22 and Samoa on October 25.

With the squad settled in Morocco well ahead of the opener, Cheche’s side has had valuable time to adjust to the conditions and fine-tune their approach before the group stage begins.

Junior Starlets final World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers - Mishel Okoyo (Wiyeta Girls), Martha Wekhomba (Nasokol Girls), Vallary Achieng (Nyakach Girls);

Defenders - Pauline Namisi (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).

Group E fixtures:

October 19

Kenya vs China PR  at Mohammed VI Football Complex at 6pm EAT

October 22

USA vs Kenya at Mohammed VI Football Complex at 9pm EAT

October 25

Samoa vs Kenya  at Mohammed VI Football Complex at 9.00pm EAT