FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026: South Africa Gets Tricky Draw in African Qualifiers

The road to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 officially began on Saturday with the draw for the African qualifiers held in Rabat, Morocco. The event marked the start of a three-round knockout campaign that will determine the continent’s four representatives at the global showpiece.

The draw was conducted by Jacqueline Shipanga, Technical Director of the Namibia Football Federation and CAF Elite Instructor, alongside CAF officials.

How It Works

• 31 African nations will compete in three home-and-away knockout rounds.
• The four winners of the third round will book their tickets to Morocco 2026.
• First-round ties are scheduled for 10–12 April (first leg) and 17–19 April (second leg).

South Africa’s Path

South Africa, drawn in Match 23, will face the Central African Republic in the first round. If Bantwana progress, they will meet the winner of Botswana vs Tanzania in the second round (22–31 May).

The third and final round, set for 3–12 July, will decide the four African qualifiers.

First Round Fixtures (Southern Africa Highlights)

• Malawi vs Burundi
• Botswana vs Tanzania
• Central African Republic vs South Africa
• Zimbabwe vs Uganda
• Namibia vs Kenya

What’s at Stake for Bantwana

South Africa will be aiming to qualify for the U-17 Women’s World Cup for the third time, having previously featured in 2010 (Trinidad & Tobago) and 2018 (Uruguay). With a strong development pipeline and COSAFA experience, Bantwana will look to make a statement in this campaign.