Morocco, Algeria and Egypt name squads for 2026 U17 World Cup

Africa will be represented by 10 national teams at the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 19 to December 13.

Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Cameroon, Mali, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda will carry the continent’s hopes at the tournament after securing qualification through the 2026 Africa U17 Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco.

Eight teams booked their places by reaching the quarter-finals of the continental competition, while Mozambique and Uganda secured the remaining two slots through the playoffs.

With the tournament approaching, the participating nations are stepping up preparations and finalising their squads. As of November 7, Morocco, Algeria and Egypt had announced their final 21-player selections, while the other seven countries were still completing theirs.

Morocco name Ziyad Baha in 21-man squad

Morocco were among the first African nations to confirm their squad, with coach Ahmed Kantari announcing his 21 players on November 3.

Striker Ziyad Baha is among the notable names in the selection as he prepares to feature at the U17 World Cup for the second consecutive time.

His previous experience at the competition could prove valuable to the Atlas Cubs as they look to build on their performances at the Africa U17 Cup of Nations on home soil.

The Moroccan squad consists of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and six forwards.

Algeria return after 17-year absence

Algeria will make their first appearance at the U17 World Cup in 17 years after securing qualification for the Qatar tournament.

Coach Amine Ghimouz unveiled his 21-player squad on November 6, with several players who featured in previous training camps missing from the final selection.

The young Fennecs will be hoping to make a strong impression and re-establish Algeria’s presence on the international stage at youth level.

Egypt count on captain Ahmed Safwat

Egypt became the third African country to announce its final squad, with coach Hussein Abdel-Latif confirming his selection on November 7.

Captain Ahmed Safwat is among the players to watch, with the attacking midfielder expected to play an important role for the young Pharaohs.

The Zamalek youngster impressed at the Africa U17 Cup of Nations, where his creativity, passing ability and capacity to create opportunities against opposing defences stood out.

Seven African teams continue preparations

Elsewhere, Cameroon have already travelled to Qatar to continue their preparations. Coach Thomas Libiih and captain Chris Karel led the delegation that departed Yaounde on November 7.

The 29-member delegation includes 17 players from the country’s youth championship, with other players expected to join the team directly in Doha.

Ivory Coast have also been preparing through several training camps and friendly matches, including sessions in Europe and a final internal camp in Dubai.

Senegal coach Lamine Sané called up 26 players for a training camp held from November 2 to 8 at the Jules-François Bocandé Technical Development Centre in Toubab Dialaw.

The selection includes several players who recently featured for the country’s U20 team.

Mali are preparing for a Group G campaign against Belgium, New Zealand and Vietnam, although the Malian Football Federation has yet to publish its definitive squad.

Mozambique, who qualified through the continental playoffs, will look to captain Diego Elias Pelembe for leadership. The midfielder, son of former Mozambican international Elias “Domingues” Pelembe, scored twice at the Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

Tanzania are preparing for their first-ever appearance at the U17 World Cup after reaching the final of the continental competition in Morocco.

The Serengeti Boys, coached by Elieneza Nsanganzelu, have been drawn in Group I alongside Brazil, Ireland and Costa Rica.

Uganda also booked their place through the playoffs. Coach Laryea Kingston initially selected 35 players as part of the preparations, with the final 21-man squad still to be announced.

Africa set for major youth football test

The presence of 10 countries gives Africa a significant representation at the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup.

For established youth football nations such as Morocco, Mali, Senegal and Cameroon, the competition offers another opportunity to test themselves on the international stage.

Algeria will be looking to make an impression on their return after 17 years, while Tanzania prepare to make history with their first appearance.

With the tournament set to begin on November 19, the remaining African teams will be looking to complete their squad selections and preparations before heading into their respective campaigns in Qatar.