The Kenyan referee will officiate at the tournament in Morocco, which runs from October 17 to November 7.
Nairobi, Kenya (Running Africa) — Kenyan referee Josephine Wanjiku has earned a prestigious appointment to officiate at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, highlighting her growing reputation on the international stage and marking a significant achievement for East African football officiating.
Wanjiku is among a select group of match officials chosen by FIFA for the global tournament, with appointments determined through rigorous assessments of performance, fitness, and international refereeing experience.
The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will take place from October 17 to November 7, bringing together 24 nations competing for youth football’s biggest prize. The tournament will mark the 10th edition of the competition and the second consecutive time Morocco hosts the event, further cementing its status as a key destination for international football in Africa.
The Football Kenya Federation welcomed Wanjiku’s selection, celebrating the appointment as a milestone for Kenyan football and a testament to the country’s growing influence in the development of match officials.
Her inclusion underscores the increasing presence of African referees on the global stage and reflects FIFA’s confidence in the quality of officiating talent emerging from the continent.
Morocco’s hosting of the tournament forms part of a long-term agreement with FIFA aimed at strengthening youth football development and expanding the global reach of the women’s game.
