The race for qualification to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 began on 10 April, with 24 African nations entering the first round of qualifiers across the continent.
The tournament, scheduled to take place from 17 October to 7 November 2026 in Morocco, will see five African teams — including the host nation — secure places at the global finals.
With home-and-away ties spread over several days, teams will be aiming to gain early advantages in the first-leg fixtures before decisive return matches.
First legs
The opening round begins on 10 April, when Botswana host Tanzania at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.
A busy schedule follows on 11 April, with several fixtures taking place across the continent. Tunisia face Senegal in Monastir, while Malawi take on Burundi in Lilongwe. Niger host Guinea in Niamey, Burkina Faso meet Benin in Ouagadougou, and Sierra Leone face Cote d’Ivoire in Yamoussoukro.
On 12 April, attention shifts to further ties, including South Sudan against Ethiopia in Juba and Zimbabwe hosting Uganda. Namibia take on Kenya, while Algeria face a stern test against Cameroon in Blida. Togo and Ghana complete the day’s fixtures in Lomé.
The first-leg phase concludes on 17 April, when Rwanda host Zambia in Kigali.
Return leg
The return fixtures begin on 17 April, with Benin facing Burkina Faso, Senegal hosting Tunisia, and Ivory Coast taking on Sierra Leone.
On 18 April, several decisive matches will determine progression, including Kenya against Namibia, Uganda versus Zimbabwe, and Burundi hosting Malawi. Ghana face Togo in Accra, while Guinea meet Niger and Cameroon take on Algeria.
The final round of second-leg fixtures continues on 19 April, with Ethiopia hosting South Sudan and Tanzania facing Botswana.
The last match of the round takes place on 22 April, when Zambia host Rwanda in Ndola.
Direct qualifications
Three teams — Liberia, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo — have already advanced to the next round following the withdrawal of Libya, Djibouti and the Central African Republic.
Race for Morocco 2026 intensifies
With places at the global tournament at stake, the qualifiers offer young African talents a platform to showcase their ability on the international stage.
As the competition unfolds, teams will be looking to balance attacking ambition with defensive discipline, knowing that small margins could determine progression.
The road to Morocco 2026 has now begun — and for many of these nations, it represents the first step towards competing on the world stage.
Full Fixture List
First Leg Fixtures (All times GMT)
April 10
Botswana 2-3 Tanzania – 13h00, Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, Francistown
Scorers: B. Setuket (38′), H. Lesotho (70′ p) / F. Hassan (14′), B.Steven (41′), Z. Mlekwa (45+4)
April 11
Tunisia vs Senegal – 13h00, Stade Mustapha Ben Jelloun, Monastir
Malawi vs Burundi – 13h00, Bingu National Stadium
Niger vs Guinea – 15h00, Stade Général Seyni Kountché, Niamey
Burkina Faso vs Benin – 16h00, August 4 Stadium, Ouagadougou
Sierra Leone vs Ivory Coast – 16h00, Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro
April 12
South Sudan vs Ethiopia – 13h00, Juba Stadium, Juba
Zimbabwe vs Uganda – 13h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium
Namibia vs Kenya – 13h00, UNAM Stadium
Algeria vs Cameroon – 15h00, Mustapha Tchaker Stadium, Blida
Togo vs Ghana – 16h00, Kegué Stadium, Lomé
April 17
Rwanda vs Zambia – 13h00, Pelé Stadium, Kigali
Second Leg Fixtures (All times GMT)
April 17
Benin vs Burkina Faso – 15h00, Kegué Stadium, Lomé
Senegal vs Tunisia – 16h30, Abdoulaye Wade Annex Stadium, Diamniadio
Ivory Coast vs Sierra Leone – 17h00, Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro
April 18
Kenya vs Namibia – 12h00, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Windhoek
Uganda vs Zimbabwe – 13h00, FUFA Stadium, Kampala
Burundi vs Malawi – 13h00, Intwari Stadium, Bujumbura
Ghana vs Togo – 15h30, Accra Sports Stadium
Guinea vs Niger – 16h30, Mamadou Konaté Stadium, Bamako
Cameroon vs Algeria – 16h00, Olembé Stadium, Yaoundé
April 19
Ethiopia vs South Sudan – 13h00, Abebe Bikila Stadium, Addis Ababa
Tanzania vs Botswana – 13h00, Azam Complex, Dar es Salaam
April 22
Zambia vs Rwanda – 13h00, Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola
Note: Liberia, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo have qualified directly for the next round following the withdrawals of Libya, Djibouti and the Central African Republic.
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
