Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Zambia favoured as U-17 Women’s World Cup race reaches final hurdle


By Maxwell Kumoye 
 
 
 
Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Zambia have emerged as the leading contenders to secure Africa’s four tickets to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after the final qualifying round pairings were confirmed.

The decisive stage of the qualification campaign will take place in July, with the winners of the four two-legged ties advancing to the global showpiece later this year.

Nigeria’s Flamingos, one of the tournament favourites, will face Benin Republic in a West African derby. 

The first leg in Nigeria is scheduled for July 3-5, with the return fixture set for July 10-12. The Nigerians enter the contest in commanding form after demolishing Guinea 11-0 on aggregate in the previous round. 

Benin Republic, however, will be buoyed by their impressive 5-1 aggregate victory over Sierra Leone.

Another highly anticipated clash will see Ghana lock horns with Senegal. The Black Maidens announced their credentials with an emphatic 8-0 aggregate triumph over Liberia, while Senegal showed resilience by eliminating Cameroon via a penalty shootout. 

Despite Senegal’s fighting spirit, Ghana’s attacking firepower makes them one of the strongest favourites to reach Morocco.

Southern African powerhouse Zambia will take on Ethiopia in a tie many observers expect the Copper Princesses to control. Zambia were ruthless in the previous round, sweeping aside DR Congo 7-0 on aggregate to underline their pedigree at youth level. 

Ethiopia booked their place in the final round after overcoming Burundi but faces a daunting challenge against one of Africa’s most consistent youth teams.

South Africa completes the quartet of favourites as they prepare to battle Kenya. The South Africans advanced with a disciplined 2-0 aggregate victory over Tanzania, while Kenya edged past neighbours Uganda on the away goals rule.

Although Kenya have shown they can grind out results under pressure, South Africa’s organisation and experience could prove decisive over two legs.

The final qualifying round promises intense battles across the continent, but Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia and South Africa appear best positioned to claim the coveted World Cup spots based on their dominant performances so far.

Final Round Pairings

Nigeria vs Benin Republic

Senegal vs Ghana

Zambia vs Ethiopia

South Africa vs Kenya

First legs will be played between July 3 and 5, while the second legs are scheduled for July 10 to 12.

With places at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco at stake, Africa’s emerging stars now stand just 180 minutes away from achieving their dream of competing on the world stage.

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