From underdogs to giant slayers

Kenya’s schoolgirls won bronze at the 2026 ISF Football World Cup in China after defeating several top teams, with preparations already planned for the 2028 tournament.

On paper, they were just underdogs who were expected to be the punching bag of every nation they faced.

However, on the pitch, the Kenyan girls refused to be cowed as they became the tournament's giant slayers.

This was a side that every coach dreaded as word of the grit and relentlessness of the Kenyan players went round at the 2026 International School Sports Federation (ISF) Football World Cup that ended at the weekend in Suzhou, China.

While global football superpowers had the blueprint and bloodline, all Kenyan students had was their desire and determination to excel and make their country proud. France brought tactics, England brought pedigree, Mexico had flair, Turkey brought power, but for the Kenyans, a self-belief that would not die was all they needed. Kenya’s girls’ football team vs Turkey during the 2026 ISF Football World Cup in Suzhou, China. [ISF Media]

Source: The Standard Sports