Exciting news for South Sudan’s U-20 Women’s National Team
Coach Simon James has announced a preliminary squad as the team gears up for the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier against Djibouti. Scheduled for August 2026, this tournament promises to be a thrilling competition featuring 24 countries, including four from Africa. The stakes are high with 38 African teams vying for just four qualifying spots.
The qualifying rounds will unfold over four stages, starting with the first round, where the 12 lowest-ranked teams will battle it out. Only six of these teams will advance to join the 26 best-ranked teams, bypassing the initial round. This setup emphasises the competitive nature of the qualifiers, making every match crucial.
In the second round, the six winners from the first round will join the 26 bypassed teams, culminating in a total of 32 teams competing for 16 spots to advance. The intensity ramps up in the third round, where the remaining 16 teams will enter a knockout format, aiming to secure one of the eight coveted spots for the fourth round.
Finally, in the fourth round, the final eight teams will clash in knockout matches, with the winners earning their place in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Coach Simon James has highlighted the importance of physical and tactical preparation for his squad. He believes that many players have immense potential but need more rigorous training to meet the challenges ahead.
The preliminary roster features 33 players drawn from this year’s league championship, reflecting the talent pool available for the national team. As preparations continue, the team looks forward to showcasing their skills on the international stage. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament approaches.
