Kenyan referee Josephine Wanjiku has been selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, marking another major milestone in her rising career as an international match official.
The tournament, scheduled to kick off on October 17, 2026, will bring together some of the world's most promising young female footballers.
Wanjiku's appointment places her among an elite group of referees chosen by FIFA to oversee matches at one of the sport's premier youth competitions.
Her selection is a significant achievement for both Wanjiku and Kenyan football, reflecting the growing recognition of the country's match officials on the global stage. It also underscores FIFA's confidence in her professionalism, consistency and officiating ability at both domestic and international levels.
In a statement, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) congratulated Wanjiku and wished her success at the global showpiece.
"Congratulations to Josephine Wanjiku on her selection to officiate at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, set to kick off on October 17, 2026. FKF wishes her all the best as she takes her place among the elite match officials in world football," the federation said.
Wanjiku has steadily built a reputation as one of Kenya's leading referees, handling high-profile fixtures and earning appointments to continental competitions. Her latest selection adds to a growing list of achievements that have elevated her profile within African and international football.
The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup serves as a key platform for nurturing future stars of the women's game while also providing match officials with valuable experience at the highest level. For Wanjiku, the appointment offers an opportunity to showcase her skills on a global stage and further strengthen Kenya's presence in international football officiating.
Her achievement is expected to inspire aspiring referees across the country, particularly women seeking careers in football officiating. As preparations for the tournament gather pace, Wanjiku will now focus on representing Kenya at one of football's biggest youth events.