Kenya’s Junior Starlets have made history by reaching the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time after beating Samoa 4-0 in their final Group E match in Morocco.

The victory on Sunday, October 25, 2026, secured Kenya a place in the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s four best third-placed teams, completing a remarkable comeback after two opening defeats.

The Junior Starlets began their campaign with a 3-0 loss to China PR before falling 6-1 to the United States, leaving them needing a convincing win against Samoa and favourable results elsewhere to progress.

Kenya responded with an emphatic performance, with Mwanakombo Bakari opening the scoring in the fourth minute to give the team an early advantage.

Brenda Awuor doubled the lead in the 44th minute, sending Kenya into half-time with a two-goal cushion.

Gaudancia Maloba extended the advantage in the 62nd minute before Bakari completed her brace two minutes later to seal the 4-0 victory.

The result, combined with outcomes from other groups, confirmed Kenya’s progression to the knockout stage.

Junior Starlets secure historic qualification

Kenya’s achievement marks the first time a Kenyan team has progressed beyond the group stage at a FIFA World Cup, adding a major milestone to the country’s football history.

The team had entered the final group fixture under pressure following their defeats to China PR and the United States.

However, the victory over Samoa gave them the points and goal difference needed to remain in contention for one of the available places for the best third-placed teams.

The Junior Starlets will now prepare for the Round of 16, where they are scheduled to face Japan, who finished top of Group D.

China beat USA to top Group E

In the other decisive Group E match, China PR defeated the United States 3-2 to finish top of the group.

The result helped shape the final qualification standings as teams across the six groups competed for places in the knockout stage.

For Kenya, the win over Samoa transformed their campaign after a difficult start and gave the team an opportunity to continue competing on the world stage.

The Junior Starlets will now look to carry their momentum into the last 16 as they face Japan on Wednesday, October 28.