Kenya’s Rising Starlets have begun their journey towards the FIFA U-20 World Cup qualifiers 2026, with Head Coach Jackline Juma looking to build a formidable squad for the campaign.

Juma has revealed that the provisional squad reflects a blend of emerging talents and experienced campaigners.

Having received a bye in the opening round, Kenya will face off Ethiopia in a second-round qualifier.

The two-legged tie kicks off in Ethiopia between September 19 and 21, before returning to Nairobi for the key second leg, scheduled to be played between September 26 and 28.

The winner will proceed to the third round, where they face off with either Tanzania or Angola in February 2026.

A meticulous selection process was emphasised, with two mini training camps designed to help in the technical bench trim of the provisional list into a final squad. The first group of players already reported to camp, while a second batch of 30 is to report later this week. 

From these groups, Juma and her staff will assess their fitness and tactical capability before naming the final squad for the  Ethiopia tie. 

Coach Juma is targeting experienced players from the Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) and Kenyan National Super League (NSL).

Some of the players who featured in the last U-17 World Cup in 2024 have since transitioned to the U20 age group, and could form part of Juma’s squad.

“We have to combine experienced players, the likes of Fasila with the U-17s to get a formidable squad that would give us what we want,” said Juma.

Notable several players who competed at the U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic have been promoted, among them being; Scovia Awuor, Velma Abwire, Ephy Awuor, Lorine Ilavonga, Rebecca Odato, Halima Imbachi, Marion Serenge, Valarie Nekesa, Elizabeth Ochaka and Lornah Faith.

Fasila Adhiambo and Elizabeth Mideva ars also part of the experienced players shining with even the senior team, expected to form the team’s fulcrum. 

With international and club practice under their belts, these players will be essential in guiding the younger squad members through the intensity of continental qualifiers.

The provisional squad, that majorly includes a horde of new players from other teams, comprises of Mercy Onyango (Wadadia), Judith Okumu  (Buruburu soccer), Florence Kalekye (Kangundo starlets), Mercy Akoth (Vihiga Queens) and  Molvine Owuor (Kayole starlets), among others.

As these Kenya’s young stars set to face a formidable Ethiopian side, with structured preparation and a well-balanced squad, the Rising Starlets are determined to prove they belong among Africa’s elite.

‘We are looking forward to win the matches and reach for the World Cup,’ Jerrine Adhiambo, a player from Mathare United Women said.