The race to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 is officially underway, with 24 African nations battling across the continent in the opening round of qualifiers.
From April 10 to April 22, home-and-away ties will determine who advances, with five African teams, including hosts Morocco, set to represent the continent at the global finals scheduled for 17 October to 7 November 2026.
The campaign began in Francistown, where Tanzania edged Botswana 3-2 in a lively opener. Tunisia and Senegal shared a 1-1 draw in Monastir, while Burundi stunned Malawi 2-1 in Lilongwe. Burkina Faso impressed with a 3-1 win over Benin, and Sierra Leone held Ivory Coast to a goalless stalemate.
Sunday’s fixtures bring further intrigue: South Sudan host Ethiopia in Juba, Zimbabwe face Uganda, Namibia meet Kenya, Algeria test Cameroon in Blida, and Ghana travel to Lomé to face Togo.
The second-leg clashes, running from April 17 to 22, promise decisive drama. Key ties include Senegal vs Tunisia, Ghana vs Togo, Cameroon vs Algeria, and Zambia vs Rwanda.
Liberia, South Africa, and DR Congo have already advanced after Libya, Djibouti, and the Central African Republic withdrew.
