Mexico’s national U-17 women’s soccer team is ramping up preparations for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with two crucial friendlies in the Dominican Republic. These games will see the team face Nigeria on October 7 and New Zealand on October 10, in what will be key tune-up matches ahead of the global tournament, set to commence on October 16.
Coached by Jimena Rojas, Mexico’s squad is packed with promising young talent, with the team looking to refine their strategy and cohesion before their first World Cup match against North Korea on October 17. Mexico is placed in Group C, which also includes England and Kenya. Their performance in these upcoming friendly matches will give an indication of their readiness for the high-pressure environment of the World Cup.
The match against Nigeria is particularly important, as it will provide the Mexican squad with a test against a physically strong and tactically sound opponent. Nigeria has a reputation for being a formidable team in youth competitions, and Mexico will need to be at their best to compete. This game will allow Mexico to assess their current form and identify areas that need improvement before the tournament. Additionally, the friendly against New Zealand will be another opportunity for the Mexican team to gain valuable match experience and build confidence before the World Cup begins.
Mexico’s preparation has been intense, with a notable 3-1 win over Portugal in their last friendly match showcasing the team’s strength. This result has boosted the squad’s morale and provided valuable insight into how they might perform in the upcoming World Cup. The squad features a balanced mix of players from both domestic clubs and international teams, ensuring that the team has a broad range of experience and skill.
Among the key players for Mexico are Bárbara Del Real (América), who will likely start as goalkeeper, and defenders such as Adriana González (Team Boca) and Alexa Martínez (Pachuca), who are expected to anchor the backline. In midfield, Abril Fragoso (Pachuca) and Sofía Núñez (Rebelde SC) will play crucial roles in controlling the tempo of the game, while forwards like Evelyn Contreras (Las Vegas Diversity FC) and Ana Torres (Guadalajara) will be relied upon to provide the attacking threat.
The upcoming matches against Nigeria and New Zealand will allow coach Jimena Rojas to experiment with different formations and strategies, fine-tuning her team’s approach before the World Cup begins. These friendlies are essential for assessing the team’s readiness and making any necessary adjustments to ensure they are fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
While Mexico is finalizing its World Cup preparations, Kenya’s Junior Starlets are preparing for their own historic journey. Kenya will be making their first-ever appearance in a FIFA World Cup at any level, and the anticipation is high as the team gets ready to compete on the global stage. The Junior Starlets secured their place in the tournament with a dominant 5-0 aggregate victory over Burundi in the final qualification round. This achievement has brought immense pride to Kenyan football and has generated excitement across the country.
The Kenyan squad is eager to make an impression in their debut World Cup appearance. The team’s opening match will be against England on October 17, followed by a challenging encounter with North Korea on October 20, before facing Mexico in their final group-stage match on October 23. For Kenya, this tournament represents a significant opportunity to showcase their talent on the international stage and gain valuable experience that will contribute to the future development of women’s football in the country.
The Junior Starlets have been preparing diligently for the World Cup, and the team is confident they can rise to the occasion. Although they are considered underdogs in their group, the Kenyan players are determined to prove themselves against more established teams like England and Mexico. The team’s qualification for the World Cup has already been a groundbreaking achievement, and now the focus is on making an impact in the tournament itself.
Kenya’s opening match against England will be a key test for the Junior Starlets. England is one of the strongest teams in the tournament, boasting a squad filled with talented players, many of whom are part of the renowned Arsenal youth academy. The English team will provide a formidable challenge for Kenya, but the Junior Starlets are not intimidated. They believe that their preparation and determination will enable them to compete at a high level.
Kenya’s final group-stage match against Mexico on October 23 promises to be a thrilling contest. By this point in the tournament, both teams will have a clearer understanding of their chances of advancing to the knockout stage, and the stakes will be high. For Mexico, the match against Kenya will be an opportunity to demonstrate their experience and quality, while for Kenya, it will be a chance to make history and secure their place in the next round.
Mexico’s preparation for the World Cup has been rigorous, and their two upcoming friendlies in the Dominican Republic are part of a broader strategy to ensure the team is ready for the challenges ahead. The Mexican team has shown great potential in recent matches, and their win over Portugal was a testament to their strength and resilience. However, the World Cup is a different level of competition, and Mexico will need to be at their best to succeed.
Coach Jimena Rojas will be looking to her key players to step up and lead the team through the group stage. The defensive unit, led by players like Adriana González and Alexa Martínez, will be crucial in keeping opposition attacks at bay, while the midfielders and forwards will need to work together to create scoring opportunities. The team’s ability to adapt to different playing styles and maintain their composure under pressure will be critical to their success in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Junior Starlets are focused on making the most of their World Cup debut. The team’s qualification for the tournament has already been a significant achievement, but the players are determined to go even further. The Junior Starlets have been working hard in training, and the coaching staff is confident that the team is ready to compete at the highest level.
The World Cup represents a unique opportunity for the Kenyan players to gain international experience and showcase their talent on the global stage. The team’s performance in the tournament will not only be a source of pride for the country but also a catalyst for the further development of women’s football in Kenya. The Junior Starlets are aware of the challenges they will face, but they are ready to embrace them and give their best in every match.
As the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup approaches, the excitement is building for both Mexico and Kenya. For Mexico, the tournament is an opportunity to build on their previous successes and establish themselves as one of the top teams in the world. For Kenya, it is a chance to make history and inspire the next generation of female footballers in the country.
Both teams have put in the hard work to prepare for the tournament, and now the focus shifts to the matches themselves. The upcoming friendlies for Mexico will provide valuable insights into the team’s readiness, while Kenya will continue to fine-tune their preparations ahead of their opening match against England.
The stage is set for an exciting World Cup, and both Mexico and Kenya will be looking to make their mark on the tournament. With strong preparation and a determined mindset, both teams have the potential to achieve great things in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
