Kenya referee Josephine Wanjiku has been officially selected to officiate at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco set to kick off on October 17, 2026.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed the appointment of Wanjiku on Wednesday June 24, 2026, wishing her the best as she takes her place among the elite match officials in world football.
Wanjiku appointment is the culmination of her years of dedication, discipline and resilience. From officiating the Kenyan Premier League in 2021, to CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers and now the World Cup qualifying rounds.
The U-17 in Morocco will feature 24 teams, with 54 female match officials: 18 referees and 36 assistants from across the globe. The matches will integrate VAR and advanced video support system that will ensure fairness and accuracy.
Wanjiku has also participated in the U-17 Women’s World Cup in Egypt in October 2025, joining Yacine Samasa from Mauritania.
For Josephine Wanjiku, selection is more than achievement; signifying growth in the visibility of women officiating and the power of resilience in carving out in space competitive spaces.