The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup begins in Morocco on Saturday, 17 October, with the tournament running until 7 November.
Morocco are hosting the competition for a second successive year under an agreement with FIFA to stage five consecutive editions in the kingdom. This is the 10th edition of the tournament, which features 24 teams divided into six groups of four.
Most matches will be played in Sale across the various pitches at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. The Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat will host the semi-finals, the third-place play-off and the final.
All matches will be available to watch free via streaming on FIFA+, through DAZN, in the vast majority of territories. beIN Sports will also broadcast the games in Morocco.
Morocco have been drawn in Group A alongside New Zealand, Germany and Argentina. All three of their group matches are scheduled for 18:00 local time (GMT), which is 20:00 in France.
The group appears difficult on paper, although the recent records of Morocco’s opponents offer some context. Germany missed the past two editions after finishing fourth in 2022, while Argentina are appearing at the tournament for the first time. New Zealand have also suffered three consecutive group-stage exits, including a campaign last year in which they failed to collect a point.
The top two teams in each group, along with the four best third-placed sides, will progress to the last 16.
Teams will be ranked first by points. If required, the order will then be decided by head-to-head record, taking into account points, goal difference and goals scored in those matches. Overall goal difference, overall goals scored, fair play and, finally, a drawing of lots will be used if teams remain level.
Morocco manager Youness Rabie has selected a squad of 21 players for the tournament.
Five African teams involved
Five African nations are taking part, including the hosts. Morocco’s Lioncelles de l’Atlas will be joined by Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia, who all qualified through the continental competition.
Nigeria are in Group B with Korea DPR, Poland and Puerto Rico. Ghana will face Canada, Brazil and Norway in Group C, while Kenya are in Group E alongside China, the United States and Samoa. Zambia complete Group D with Japan, France and Venezuela.
Morocco also hosted the 2025 edition, when the Lioncelles de l’Atlas reached the knockout stage. They began with defeats by Brazil (3-0) and Italy (3-1), but recovered to beat Costa Rica 3-1 and finish third in their group.
That result secured qualification among the best third-placed teams. Their campaign ended in the last 16 with a 6-1 defeat by Korea DPR, who went on to win the tournament.