Win for Women’s Football: FIFA World Cup Expansion Increases Hopes for Kenya’s Maiden Participation

In a historic stride for women’s football, Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has officially announced that the Women’s World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams beginning in 2031.

The move, aimed at fostering global inclusivity and nurturing talent in emerging football nations, has been met with excitement and optimism, especially across Africa, where growing passion for the game often clashes with limited opportunities. The new format will see the tournament adopt 12 groups, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104 and stretching the competition by an additional week. For Kenya’s Harambee Starlets, this presents a golden window of possibility, not just a dream deferred.

Kenya’s women’s team, the Junior Starlets, made headlines in 2024 after they secured a ticket to the FIFA Under 17 (U17) Women’s World Cup, marking the country's first-ever qualification for a global women’s football event.

Their grit and rise through the Confederation African Football (CAF) qualifiers lit a spark of hope in a country that has long admired football but rarely featured on the global women’s stage.

That youth-level breakthrough signaled that the talent is there awaiting to be harnessed, structured, and supported.

Junior Starlets in a recent match at Nyayo National Stadium

The most recent Women’s World Cup was held in Australia and New Zealand in 2023. It featured 32 teams, up from 24 in the previous edition, and saw Spain emerge champions, clinching their maiden title after defeating England. 

From Africa, four teams - Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia-  qualified for that edition. Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the most experienced African side, made it to the Round of 16, while debutants Morocco also defied expectations by advancing to the knockouts.

Despite immense talent, Kenya’s Harambee Starlets did not qualify for the senior Women’s World Cup. 

A cocktail of poor football governance, inadequate investment in women’s leagues, inconsistent coaching, and political interference has often disrupted momentum just when it’s needed most.

Harambee Starlets in a recent training session; Courtesy

The expansion to 48 teams now offers renewed hope. It means Africa is likely to receive more than the four direct slots it previously had, with potential additional slots through intercontinental playoffs. That could see up to 7 or 8 African teams at future tournaments.

This development is a game-changer for Kenya. With CAF’s push for stronger women’s football structures and the return of tournaments like the CECAFA Women’s Championship, there is room for the Starlets to sharpen their competitive edge, rise through the ranks, and finally make history.

Looking Ahead: Brazil to Host 2027 Women’s World Cup

The next Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Brazil, marking the first time the tournament will be held in South America.

The tournament will run from June 24 to July 25, 2027, across iconic Brazilian cities including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasília, and Salvador. FIFA will retain the 32-team format for this edition before expanding to 48 teams in 2031.

While Kenya’s Harambee Starlets face stiff competition to qualify under the current 32-team limit, the 2027 edition provides a vital benchmark. The team can use upcoming continental qualifiers to test its strength and sharpen its strategy ahead of the 2031 expansion, when the door opens wider for African nations.

The Junior Starlets showed what’s possible when focus, talent, and belief converge. Now, the senior Harambee Starlets must build on that momentum. The dream is no longer far-fetched. The door has opened wider. 

Kenya must walk through it.