Eight nations. Eight journeys. Eight dreams of reaching Morocco for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup this October.

This weekend, in Ndola, Abidjan, Nairobi, and Ikenne, African women’s football enters its decisive phase, as the final round of qualifiers kicks off.

And each match-up brings its own tension, narrative, and ambition.

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Zambia v Benin:

Zambia continues its rise in youth football. Quarter-finalists at the last U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, the Copper Princesses enter this final round with greater maturity and confidence.

Backed by continuity in the coaching staff, Zambia hopes to seize a commanding advantage in the first leg. Playing at home in the familiar Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, the pressure won’t faze them — but the stakes are high: avoid being caught off-guard by Benin’s momentum.

Their opponents, Benin, represent the bold underdog. Disciplined and opportunistic, the Beninese eliminated Mali in the last round with little fanfare but great effectiveness. They now believe another upset is possible. With physical presence and direct play, they can hurt teams. The mental battle will be crucial: absorb Zambia’s waves of pressure and strike with precision. If they leave Ndola with a respectable scoreline, all will be to play for in the second leg.

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Nigeria v Algeria:

Quarter-finalists at the last World Cup, the Flamingos enter the tie with a commanding reputation. On home soil, in a stadium they know intimately, Nigeria aims to settle the contest early. With an experienced core, fluid style, and international poise, the hosts are determined to avoid late drama and underline their status as continental leaders.

Algeria, meanwhile, arrives without pressure. Less structured but full of ambition, this young group is evolving quickly. Aware of the challenge, they see it as a valuable opportunity. Away from home and with few certainties, they will rely on their strengths — boldness, vertical play, and relentless spirit.

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Kenya v Cameroon: two visions, one showdown

Newcomers to the continental scene, Kenya’s U-17 Harambee Starlets are turning heads. Buoyed by home support and youthful energy, they hope to carry their dream through this historic qualifier. But against Cameroon, passion alone won’t be enough. They’ll need composure, tactical accuracy, and the ability to manage high and low moments.

Cameroon, a seasoned force in African football, won’t leave room for improvisation. Preparation has been meticulous. The Lionesses are expected to bring physical intensity, territorial control, and clinical finishing. Their biggest threat: underestimating a fearless Kenyan side writing its own history.

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Côte d’Ivoire v Guinea: Regional derby under pressure

This regional clash promises fireworks in Abidjan. Côte d’Ivoire v Guinea — two neighbours, two rebuilding projects, two contrasting styles. Backed by a rejuvenated home crowd and serious preparation, the Ivorian U-17s are looking to strike early and hard. For months, this team has been building quietly but with purpose. Now, on their turf, they have a chance to make a statement.

Guinea remains unpredictable. At times, they can be devastating. With pace, strong transitions, and the element of surprise, they thrive in the shadows. Lesser known, they may use that to their advantage. The key for Guinea: stay emotionally composed in Abidjan and return to Conakry with a fighting chance.

The Fixtures

SATURDAY

• Nigeria v Algeria: Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne  – 15:00 GMT
• Zambia v Benin: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola – 13:00 GMT

SUNDAY

• Kenya v Cameroon: Nyayo National Stadium , Nairobi– 20 April – 12:00 GMT
• Côte d’Ivoire v Guinea: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan – 18:00 GMT

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 The Zambia women’s national team have removed their four U.S.-based players from the squad for a tournament in China due to concerns over U.S. travel measures, the Zambia FA said on Wednesday.

FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga said captain Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji, Prisca Chilufya and Grace Chanda would not be available owing to additional travel measures introduced by the new administration in the U.S.

“After working through the process instigated by recently introduced measures it was decided that it is in the best interest of our players to skip this assignment,” Kamanga said in a statement.

“They will definitely be available for future assignments as they were for the last window when we played Malawi.”

Zambia begin their tournament against Thailand on Saturday.

-Reuters

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The United Kingdom appears set to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup after FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday described its interest as the “one valid bid” for the tournament.

England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales announced last month that they would submit a joint bid to host the finals.

“We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA women’s World Cup 2035,” FA CEO Mark Bullingham said in a statement.

“Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with our home nations partners will be very special. The hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.”

The United States, with the possibility of other countries in the CONCACAF region joining the U.S., is also poised to be named host of the 2031 Women’s World Cup as the only bid.

Infantino said the tournament will increase from 32 teams to 48 in time for the 2031 World Cup to match the men’s event.

“We received one bid for 2031 and one bid — one valid bid I should add — for 2035,” he added at the UEFA Congress in Belgrade. “The 2035 bid is from Europe, from the home nations.”

The U.S. hosted the 1999 and 2003 Women’s World Cup.

Brazil will host the 2027 event featuring 32 teams.

FORMAL BIDS

Member associations must formally submit bids to FIFA in the final quarter of this year. The world governing body currently plans to confirm the Women’s World Cup hosts for 2031 and 2035 at the 76th FIFA Congress in the second quarter of next year.

“So, the path is there for the Women’s World Cup to be taking place in ’31 and ’35 in some great countries, in some great nations, to boost even more the women’s football movement,” Infantino said.

FIFA said last month that members associated with the Confederation of African Football and CONCACAF were eligible to bid for the 2031 World Cup, while CAF and UEFA member associations could bid for the 2035 tournament.

Reports had suggested Spain, Portugal and Morocco, who are jointly hosting the 2030 men’s World Cup, planned to launch a rival bid for 2035 before Infantino’s comment on Thursday that the UK had the only valid bid.

England’s women’s manager Sarina Wiegman said hosting the tournament will be a big boost to the women’s game.

“It’s the biggest female event we have in the world, that’s so exciting,” she told a press conference on Thursday.

“We know with the experience of the Euros (the women’s European Championships in 2022, which England won) how big the game is already here, and what that momentum did here in the country, but also worldwide.

“So another tournament, even on an even bigger stage, would be incredible, and that will give another boost to the game.”

Expanding to 48 teams will help, the Dutchwoman added on the eve of England’s Nations League game against Belgium.

“It will grow the game again in different countries, because different countries have opportunities to come, because countries are at different stages of their development,” she said. “So it will help empower women in football, women in sport and women in society.”

-Reuters

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