FIFA U-20 World Cup Stories

Omar Artan makes history as first Somali referee at FIFA World Cup
Lucy Mumbi  |  Oct 02, 2025

At the U-20 World Cup, he is being supported by Kenyan assistant referee Gilbert Cheruiyot and Abelmiro Montenegro from São Tomé and Príncipe.

South Africa’s World Cup hopes take major hit after FIFA strips win against Lesotho
Bashir Mbuthia  |  Sep 29, 2025

FIFA’s disciplinary committee overturned Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 win from March, ruling that midfielder Teboho Mokoena should not have played as he was se...

Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa begin FIFA U-20 World Cup campaigns in Chile
Bashir Mbuthia  |  Sep 28, 2025

Morocco will be first in action, facing Spain in their Group C opener on Sunday at 11:00 pm at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Ñuñoa.

Rising Starlets cruise past Ethiopia to set up Tanzania clash in World Cup qualifiers
Amina Wako  |  Sep 28, 2025

The emphatic victory sealed a 5-1 aggregate triumph for the hosts, setting up a much-anticipated third-round clash with East African rivals Tanzania.

FKF boss confident in Rising Starlets ahead of Ethiopia World Cup qualifier
Erick Kariuki  |  Sep 18, 2025

Hussein assured the country that the federation had taken all necessary steps to prepare the squad for the upcoming challenge.

Kenya drops two places to 111th as Spain rises in latest FIFA rankings
Bashir Mbuthia  |  Sep 18, 2025

Across Africa, Morocco leads the continent at 11th in the world, moving up one position from the last rankings.

Rising Starlets coach Jackline Juma names squad for Ethiopia clash
Erick Kariuki  |  Sep 18, 2025

Coach Juma has opted for a mix of youth and experience, with several players promoted from the Junior Starlets U-17 team that featured at the FIFA U-1...

Kenyan local football clubs to pocket millions as FIFA extends World Cup rewards
Amina Wako  |  Sep 16, 2025

THe programme will reward teams that release players for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the final tournament.

Michael Olunga among Africa’s top scorers in World Cup qualifiers
Erick Kariuki  |  Sep 12, 2025

The towering striker began with a brace in Kenya’s opening game against Seychelles, striking twice away from home.

Race for 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets begins as fans eye historic tournament
Amina Wako  |  Sep 11, 2025

The tournament will be historic on two fronts: it will be the first ever World Cup jointly hosted by three nations – the United States, Canada and Mex...

All-Somali referee team makes history in charge of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier
Bashir Mbuthia  |  Sep 10, 2025

The quartet, led by centre referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan and assisted by Mahad Ali Mohamud Jantalman and Hamza Hagi Abdi, with Kaafi Shiine as fourth...

Benni McCarthy praises ruthless Harambee Stars after 5-0 thumping of Seychelles
Erick Kariuki  |  Sep 09, 2025

McCarthy admitted there was pressure heading into the clash, but praised his players for bouncing back strongly.

Harambee Stars thrash Seychelles 5-0 in dominant World Cup qualifier win
Erick Kariuki  |  Sep 09, 2025

Goals from Ryan Wesley Ogam, Collins Sichenje, and captain Michael Olunga highlighted a convincing display that underlined Kenya’s attacking depth and...

Ethiopia files FIFA complaint against Egypt over fan misconduct in World Cup qualifier
Bashir Mbuthia  |  Sep 08, 2025

Egypt secured the win through two first-half penalties, converted by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush.

Morocco becomes first African team to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Lucy Mumbi  |  Sep 07, 2025

This will be the Atlas Lions’ third consecutive World Cup appearance and their seventh overall since first featuring on the global stage.

Rising Starlets Coach Jackline Juma unveils provisional squad for FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
Amina Wako  |  Sep 06, 2025

Selection will be based on performance, fitness, and tactical readiness for the double header against Ethiopia.

Former Liberia President George Weah to lead FIFA anti-racism panel of ex-players
Amina Wako  |  Sep 06, 2025

The initiative was first unveiled during FIFA’s annual congress in Thailand in May 2024. According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, it is part of a...

Harambee Stars’ World Cup dreams fade after 3-1 defeat to Gambia
Erick Kariuki  |  Sep 05, 2025

The Stars eventually found a breakthrough in the 81st minute when Ogam scored the first goal.

McCarthy urges Harambee Stars to fight on after Gabon's win dealt huge blow to Kenya's World Cup dreams
Erick Kariuki  |  Sep 04, 2025

Anything less than three points would end their campaign with two rounds still to play.

Morocco to set up courts in stadiums to tackle fan offences at 2030 World Cup
Bashir Mbuthia  |  Sep 04, 2025

According to Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, the changes would prevent Moroccan courts from being overwhelmed by cases during the global sporting...

Gambia national team arrive in Nairobi ahead of Friday's World Cup qualifier against Kenya
Amina Wako  |  Sep 02, 2025

The match will be Gambia’s second meeting with Kenya in the qualifiers, following their 3-3 draw in March at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, C...

Details of FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he makes historic first visit to Kenya for CHAN 2024 finals
Erick Kariuki  |  Aug 30, 2025

The presence of both CAF President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Infantino for the first time in Kenya adds weight to the occasion, symbolising g...

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy thanks Kenyans for ‘untouchable’ support at CHAN
Erick Kariuki  |  Aug 28, 2025

Speaking at a luncheon hosted by President William Ruto at State House after the team’s return, McCarthy said the fans made the players feel “untoucha...

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy uses social media to address fans' concerns over squad selection
Erick Kariuki  |  Aug 27, 2025

However, the coach chose not to address queries surrounding Austine Odhiambo, who was joint top scorer during CHAN 2024 but missed out on the call-up.

FIFA picks Somali referee and Kenyan assistant for U-20 World Cup duty
Erick Kariuki  |  Jul 24, 2025

Somalia’s Omar Artan and Kenya’s Gilbert Cheruiyot have been named among the 54 match officials selected to officiate at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup...

Ref Cams, VAR upgrades to debut at FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Erick Kariuki  |  Jun 12, 2025

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States promises a new era for football fans, with FIFA set to roll out groundbreaking technology aimed at e...

Harambee Starlets stagnate in FIFA rankings
Erick Kariuki  |  Jun 12, 2025

Kenya’s Harambee Starlets have remained unmoved in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings released on 12 June 2025, staying at position 142. Despite a...

Harambee Starlets name squad to face Morocco in friendly
Erick Kariuki  |  May 30, 2025

Morocco, currently ranked 60th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, will provide a worthy test for the Kenyan side as they continue fine-tuning ahead o...

Kenya on the brink of AFCON U20 exit after falling to Tunisia
Amina Wako  |  May 04, 2025

The Rising Stars started well, taking the lead in the 16th minute through striker Lawrence Ouma. However, familiar defensive mistakes cost them dearly...

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