Nigeria's Flamingos began their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland in Rabat on 17 October. Wiktoria Skrzypczak and Natalia Skrok scored for Poland, who held on to claim the Group B victory.
Defending champions DPR Korea sent an early warning to their rivals with a 6-0 demolition of Puerto Rico in the same group. Yu Jong-hyang and Kim Won-sim each netted twice as the Asian powerhouse chase an unprecedented third consecutive title and a record-extending fifth crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 2008, 2016, 2024 and 2025.
In Group A, hosts Morocco cruised to a 4-0 win over New Zealand, while Germany edged Argentina 2-1. Kenya's Junior Starlets open their Group E campaign against China PR on 19 October at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, before facing the United States on 22 October and Samoa on 25 October.
The 2026 tournament features 24 teams across six groups, with the top two and the four best third-placed sides advancing to the Round of 16. Morocco is hosting the competition for the second consecutive year, with matches running from 17 October to 7 November.
