Junior Starlets Mildred Cheche Names Final Squad for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup

Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has named her final squad for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The group combines experience with new energy. Most 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 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 acclimatise. They played two build-up friendlies, against Ghana U17 and Sporting Club Casablanca, to finalise their preparations.

The Junior Starlets open 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, Coach Cheche’s side has had valuable time to adjust to the conditions and fine-tune their approach before the group stage begins.

Junior Starlets world cup dream — Junior Starlets players celebrate after beating South Africa to secure FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualification. Photo: FKF.

Junior Starlets Final World Cup Squad

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).