Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Excitement is building for the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship, set to ignite the pitch from June 13 to 23 in Tanzania’s vibrant coastal city.
Eight determined nations have locked in their spots, promising a thrilling season opener packed with emerging talent and historic firsts.CECAFA Competitions Manager Yusuf Mossi announced the confirmed lineup, highlighting a major milestone for women’s youth football in the region. “We’re thrilled to welcome confirmations from eight Member Associations, including Somalia and Sudan, who are stepping up with women’s teams for their international debut,” Mossi shared. This influx signals growing momentum for girls’ football across East and Central Africa.
The competing squads hail from Tanzania (hosts), Kenya, Uganda, Djibouti, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, and Sudan. Defending their turf, Tanzania enters as favorites with home advantage and a strong developmental pipeline. Regional powerhouses like Kenya and Uganda bring battle-tested youth systems, while newcomers Somalia and Sudan aim to make waves in their inaugural outing.
Fans can expect high-energy matches showcasing speed, skill, and strategy from the next generation of stars. Beyond the action, the tournament underscores CECAFA’s push to expand women’s football, inspiring more grassroots programs. With group-stage clashes and knockout drama on the horizon, all eyes turn to Dar es Salaam for what could be a game-changer for the region.
Stay tuned for draw details and live updates as the young lions prepare to roar.
