U-17 Women's World Cup: Morocco kicks off tournament with 4-0 win, Nigeria falls 2-1 to Poland

The U-17 Women's World Cup opened on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Morocco, and the young Moroccans did not falter: the host country defeated New Zealand 4-0 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, near Rabat, according to the APA agency.

Sonia Abaijou opened the scoring in the 57th minute, followed by an own goal from New Zealander Eden Chaytor (70th), and then goals from Imane Dhissi (76th) and Hiba Youssoufi, via a penalty (82nd). Morocco shares the lead of Group A with Germany, who beat Argentina 2-1, and will face the Germans on Tuesday, October 20, at 6 p.m. local time.

The Flamingos beaten by a penalty awarded via VAR

In Group B, Nigeria had a rougher start. The Flamingos fell 2-1 to Poland in Rabat, reports the Nigerian daily Premium Times. Wiktoria Skrzypczak converted a penalty awarded after a video assistant referee review (33rd), and then Natalia Skrok doubled the lead (65th), two minutes after a Polish goal was disallowed for offside. Coming off the bench, Kanyinsola Yusuf narrowed the gap in the 79th minute.

In the 86th minute, the Nigerians appealed for a penalty during an action involving Kemi Adegbuyi; the referee maintained her decision after another review. Coach Akeem Busari's team will face Puerto Rico on October 20, then North Korea on October 23. The latter made a strong start by crushing Puerto Rico 6-0.

Five African teams, a tournament that remains in Africa

The tournament brings together 24 teams until November 7, 2026. Morocco, qualified automatically as the host country, is hosting this competition as part of a cycle that entrusts it with the organization of five consecutive editions, until 2029. Four other spots were determined by African qualifiers; among those qualified, Ghana is set to begin its campaign against Norway in Group C, according to the Africa Soccer website.

This event speaks to an ongoing dynamic: Morocco, which has invested heavily in its women's training centers and hosted the Women's AFCON, will host the U-17 World Cup for five years in a row. The goals from Sonia Abaijou and Imane Dhissi were scored by players who have come through these structures.

For Nigeria, a regular at the final stages of this competition, nothing is decided yet: two group matches remain to be played, against Puerto Rico and North Korea.