Four African Nations reach FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Round of 16

Africa will have four representatives in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, marking the continent’s best-ever showing at this stage of the competition.

Nigeria, Ghana, hosts Morocco and Kenya have all secured places in the knockout phase, surpassing the previous record of three African teams set in 2025.

Nigeria’s Flamingos recovered from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland to record consecutive victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea. A 2-0 win over Puerto Rico was followed by an impressive 3-1 triumph against North Korea, earning Nigeria second place in Group B with six points.

Ghana’s Black Maidens also finished second in Group C with four points. After losing 3-0 to Norway and drawing 3-3 with Brazil, Ghana secured qualification with a crucial 2-0 victory over Canada in their final group match. Goals from Linda Achiaa and Christiana Ashiaku sealed the win.

Hosts Morocco progressed as one of the best third-placed teams, collecting three points in Group A despite suffering defeats to Germany and Argentina. Their campaign began with a 4-0 victory over New Zealand, but back-to-back losses left them needing results elsewhere to confirm their place in the last 16.

Kenya’s Junior Starlets also advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing Group E with three points. Following defeats to China PR and the United States, Kenya responded emphatically with a 4-0 victory over Samoa to secure a historic place in the knockout stage.

However, Zambia’s campaign ended in disappointment. The Copper Princesses lost all three of their Group D matches, bowing out without a point.

Attention now turns to the Round of 16, where all four African teams will face demanding tests.

Ghana take on Argentina on Wednesday, October 28, while hosts Morocco face North Korea on the same day. Nigeria meet Mexico on Thursday, October 29, with Kenya taking on Japan.

With four nations still carrying Africa’s hopes, the continent will be aiming to build on this historic achievement and secure further progress in Morocco.