South Sudan launch FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Qualification at newly revamped Juba National Stadium

South Sudan’s women’s national football team has taken a historic step in its quest for a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, facing Algeria in a landmark qualifier at the newly renovated Juba National Stadium. This match, a key fixture in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualification series, marked a significant moment for the world’s youngest nation as it continues to make strides in international football.

Despite a 5-0 defeat to Algeria, the game represented more than just a result—it was a statement of progress for South Sudanese women’s football. The match counts toward qualification for the 2026 WAFCON, where the continent’s top teams will compete for four direct spots and two play-off places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in Brazil.

A Stadium Transformed: FIFA’s Investment in South Sudan Football

The Juba National Stadium, now a 7,000-capacity world-class venue, underwent extensive renovations thanks to almost USD 7 million in FIFA funding, notably from the FIFA Forward initiative. FIFA contributed USD 5.1 million, supplemented by an additional USD 1.8 million from its COVID-19 relief package, enabling the construction of modern facilities, including dressing rooms, media tribunes, VIP areas, and team benches.

The stadium was officially inaugurated in June 2024 by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, alongside South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit and South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) President Augustino Parek. This transformation has positioned Juba National Stadium as a hub for football development, offering South Sudanese players a platform to showcase their talent on home soil.

FIFA’s Commitment to Women’s Football in South Sudan

Since it entered into the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking in 2021, South Sudan has been steadily advancing in women’s football development. FIFA has also played a pivotal role beyond the pitch, introducing the Menstrual Hygiene and Education for Girls and Women Playing Football initiative in South Sudan in 2022. This program provides sanitary products to female athletes, addressing a critical barrier that previously kept many girls out of sports and education.

FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer, Dame Sarai Bareman, emphasized the significance of this qualification campaign, stating:

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ was a breakthrough moment for African football, with three teams reaching the Round of 16 for the first time, including debutants Morocco. This momentum sets the stage for an exciting qualifying journey not only in Africa but across the world.”

A Promising Future for South Sudanese Football

With a renewed focus on infrastructure and talent development, South Sudan’s football authorities remain optimistic about the future. FIFA Regional Director for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, praised the country’s rapid progress, saying:

“The South Sudanese federation is moving in the right direction. The country has exceptional talent, and with continued investment in infrastructure and domestic competitions, South Sudanese football will only grow stronger.”

As the journey toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ continues, South Sudan’s participation in the WAFCON qualifiers is a testament to the nation’s ambition and commitment to the global game. With a world-class stadium now in place and development initiatives gaining momentum, the future of women’s football in South Sudan looks brighter than ever.