Kenya’s national under-17 women’s team, the Junior Starlets, will begin their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign against China PR on Monday, October 19, in Morocco.

The Group E encounter is scheduled to take place at the Women’s Football Complex, Pitch 1, as Kenya seeks a positive start to the tournament and a strong position in the race for a place in the knockout stages.

Head coach Mildred Cheche’s side will be looking to build on its successful qualification campaign, having secured a second appearance at the global tournament. Kenya booked its place after defeating South Africa 5-1 on aggregate in the final qualifying round in Africa.

However, the Junior Starlets face a challenging test against a Chinese side with experience at the international level. China PR reached the Round of 16 at the 2025 edition and will be aiming to make another strong impression in this year’s competition.

Kenya will need to demonstrate tactical discipline, defensive organisation and clinical finishing to overcome their opponents. The team’s ability to create scoring opportunities and convert them into goals could prove decisive in determining the outcome of the opening fixture.

The Junior Starlets are drawn in Group E alongside China PR, the United States and Samoa. Following Monday’s encounter, Kenya will face the United States on October 22 before concluding the group stage against Samoa on October 25.

The top two teams from each group, together with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 16. This makes every group-stage match important as teams compete for a place in the knockout rounds.

Kenyan fans will be hoping the Junior Starlets can rise to the occasion, represent the country with pride and begin their World Cup journey with a positive result against China PR.