FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Ghana and Nigeria carry Africa’s hopes into Quarter-finals

Africa will have just two representatives in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with Ghana and Nigeria emerging as the continent’s remaining contenders following the conclusion of the Round of 16.

The Black Maidens and Nigeria’s Flamingos have secured places among the final eight, keeping Africa’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive after the elimination of Morocco and Kenya.

Ghana booked their quarter-final ticket following a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Argentina after a 1-1 draw.

Nigeria also secured qualification with a 2-1 victory over Mexico, continuing their impressive campaign after recovering from an opening group-stage defeat to Poland.

However, the journey ended for hosts Morocco, who suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat to defending champions Korea DPR, while Kenya’s historic run was halted by Japan, who recorded a 3-1 victory over the Junior Starlets.

The outcome leaves Ghana and Nigeria as the only African nations in the quarter-final stage, following a historic group-stage campaign in which four African teams reached the Round of 16 for the first time.

Quarter-final fixtures

The quarter-finals will take place on Sunday, November 1, with Ghana facing Japan at 3:00 pm Ghana time.

Nigeria will take on Venezuela at 6:00 pm, while defending champions Korea DPR face the United States in another quarter-final encounter. Brazil will also battle China for a place in the last four.

For Ghana, the challenge is to overcome Japan and move beyond the quarter-final stage, while Nigeria will be aiming to maintain their momentum against Venezuela.

With two African nations still in contention, the continent will be looking to the Black Maidens and the Flamingos to carry its challenge forward and secure places in the semi-finals.