After a composed 2-0 win over France, underlining the early dominance of three traditional powers in the expanded 24-team tournament.
The 2026 edition, the second consecutive tournament hosted by Morocco as part of a five-year hosting cycle, is being staged primarily at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in the Rabat-Salé area. Matches run through early November, with the final and third-place playoff at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
The format sends the top two teams from each of the six groups plus the four best third-placed sides into the knockout stages. Early results have already produced clear frontrunners while leaving several groups wide open.
Japan’s late clinical edge seals progress
On Wednesday in Rabat, Japan defeated France 2-0 in Group D thanks to a late brace from substitute Mei Hanashiro. The forward, introduced in the 71st minute, scored in the 88th minute and again in stoppage time (90+3).
Japan controlled large stretches of the contest, finishing with significantly more shots (19-8) and corners (8-3) while keeping a clean sheet.
French media acknowledged Japan’s dominance, noting the European side was largely unable to impose its game and ultimately suffered a second consecutive defeat to Japan in recent U-17 World Cup meetings.
The result completed a perfect start for Japan: a 5-0 thrashing of Zambia in their opener followed by this victory, giving them six points, a +7 goal difference, and qualification with a game to spare. France sit on three points after an earlier win over Venezuela. Japan’s path continues with a final group match against Venezuela. The “Little Nadeshiko” arrive with deep pedigree—champions in 2014 and regular deep runners—backed by a technical, possession-oriented style that has long defined Japanese youth teams.
Hanashiro’s impact as a super-sub highlighted Japan’s squad depth. In post-match comments she described the tension of the first goal and the relief of converting it. The performance reinforces Japan’s status as one of Asia’s strongest youth sides, even after a heavy loss to North Korea in the recent AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup final.
North Korea’s ruthless efficiency and Germany’s control
Defending champions North Korea (DPR Korea) have been the tournament’s most clinical side so far. The two-time recent title holders (2024 and 2025) and four-time overall champions opened with a 6-0 win over debutants Puerto Rico, then dismantled Poland 6-1. Forward Yu Jong-hyang scored twice in the Poland match to become the all-time leading scorer in U-17 Women’s World Cup history with 12 goals, surpassing Venezuela’s Deyna Castellanos. Kim Won-sim also featured prominently among the scorers. North Korea sit top of Group B with six points and a +11 goal difference. fifa.com
Their attacking fluency and defensive solidity make them clear favorites to go deep again. They face Nigeria in their final group game knowing a draw would secure first place in the group.
Germany, meanwhile, topped Group A after beating Argentina 2-1 and then hosts Morocco 4-2. Goals from Marie Kleemann, Lena Martens, Clara Choisy and a Mia Giesen penalty powered the win over the hosts. Germany’s organization and physicality have been evident; they too have six points and progress with a match remaining against New Zealand. Morocco remain in contention with three points, as do Argentina after their 2-0 win over New Zealand. fifa.com
Broader context and what comes next
The tournament’s early storylines extend beyond the three qualifiers. The United States opened with a record-breaking 17-0 demolition of Samoa in Group E, while China also started strongly.
Spain, Australia, Mexico and Chile continue in Group F. Several African and debutant sides (including Kenya, Samoa and Puerto Rico) are gaining valuable experience against higher-ranked opposition.
North Korea’s continued excellence reflects a long-standing investment in women’s youth football that has produced successive generations of high-level talent. Japan’s success stems from the same systematic player development that has made the senior Nadeshiko a consistent force. Germany’s progress fits their tradition of producing technically and tactically mature youth sides capable of competing at major tournaments.
Matches on Thursday (22 October) include China vs Samoa, Spain vs Australia, United States vs Kenya, and Mexico vs Chile. Later fixtures will decide the remaining Round of 16 places, with third-placed teams still in the mix depending on results and goal difference.
The early emergence of Japan, Germany and North Korea as the first three teams into the last 16 sets a high bar. Their combination of experience, depth and clinical finishing suggests the knockout stages will be highly competitive, particularly if other strong sides such as the USA, Brazil, Spain or France also advance. For the young players involved—many still in their mid-teens—the tournament remains a critical platform for development and international exposure, consistent with FIFA’s aim of growing the women’s game at every level.
As the group stage concludes, attention will shift to potential knockout matchups and whether any of the early frontrunners can be stopped. Japan’s late flourish against France, North Korea’s goal-scoring records, and Germany’s controlled wins have provided the first clear markers of a tournament still full of possibilities.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers Global, News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Politics and Technology.
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