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Junior Starlets in pool C for the 2024 World Cup

Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 09:07 | By
Junior Starlets celebrate after their win against Burundi. PHOTO/@StarletsKE/X
Junior Starlets celebrate after their win against Burundi. PHOTO/@StarletsKE/X

The Junior Starlets have been placed in Pool C of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will take place in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3, 2024.

The draw, conducted by FIFA on June 23, 2024, in the host nation, grouped Kenya with Korea DPR, Mexico, and England.

Junior Starlets debut

Kenya, making its debut in the competition, will kick off their campaign against England on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

Junior Starlets receive a Ksh10M cheque from Ababu Namwamba. PHOTO/@AbabuNamwamba/X
Junior Starlets receive a Ksh10M cheque from Ababu Namwamba. PHOTO/@AbabuNamwamba/X.

The 16 participating teams now have a clear view of their group-stage opponents and potential paths through the tournament, culminating in the final in the nation's capital.

In other groups, hosts Dominican Republic are in Group A with Ecuador, New Zealand, and Nigeria. Reigning world champions

Spain headline Group B alongside the USA, Korea Republic, and Colombia. Group D features Japan, Poland, Brazil, and Zambia. This will be the Dominican Republic’s first appearance in a FIFA women’s tournament, reflecting the country’s growing presence in international football.

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is a biennial event organized by FIFA since 2008, providing a platform for young female footballers under the age of 17.

The tournament’s creation followed the success of the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship and was part of FIFA's commitment to expanding youth competitions.

The inaugural tournament in 2008 was hosted by New Zealand, featuring matches in North Shore City, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch.

The competition has grown significantly, despite disruptions such as the postponement and eventual cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ababu Namwamba with Junior Starlets
Ababu Namwamba with Junior Starlets. PHOTO/@moyasa_ke/X

Dominican Republic was selected as the host for the 2024 edition on June 23, 2023. Starting in 2025, the U-17 Women’s World Cup will be held annually, with Morocco set to host the event in 2029, marking the first time an African country will host the tournament.

Junior Starlets in Pool C

Group A: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, New Zealand, Nigeria

Group B: Spain, USA, Korea Republic, Colombia

Group C: Korea DPR, Mexico, Kenya, England

Group D: Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia

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