The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled for October 17 to November 8, 2025, in Morocco, has unveiled its group stage matchups, setting the stage for a thrilling competition among the world’s best young female footballers. Nigeria’s Flamingos, perennial contenders in this age group, find themselves in Group D, a challenging yet navigable pool that includes North American representatives Canada, European powerhouse France, and tournament debutants Samoa. All Group D matches will unfold in Rabat, the sole host city for this expanded edition of the tournament. This will be Nigeria’s eighth appearance at the U-17 Women’s World Cup, highlighting their consistent development of young talent. The Flamingos’ journey will require tactical acumen and resilience to progress from a group featuring diverse playing styles and levels of experience.
Host nation Morocco, embarking on their own U-17 Women’s World Cup journey, leads Group A, which also comprises Brazil, Italy, and Costa Rica. This group promises a captivating mix of South American flair, European tactical prowess, and the passionate support of the home crowd. Group B presents a formidable challenge, with defending champions North Korea pitted against Mexico, Cameroon, and the Netherlands. This group embodies a global representation of footballing styles, guaranteeing high-stakes matches and unpredictable outcomes. Group C sees the United States, a consistent force in women’s football, drawn against Ecuador, China, and Norway, a diverse group that will test the Americans’ mettle.
Group E features a clash of European and South American talents, with Spain and Colombia leading the charge, alongside Korea Republic and Ivory Coast. This group presents a blend of technical skill, tactical awareness, and physicality, promising a captivating display of football. The final group, Group F, features Japan, the all-time leading scorers in the tournament’s history, setting the stage for an offensive spectacle. Alongside Japan are Oceania representatives New Zealand, Zambia, and South American hopefuls Paraguay, creating a group with varying strengths and playing styles. The presence of Japan adds a layer of excitement, with their prolific goal-scoring record promising entertaining matches.
The 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup marks a historical first, expanding to 24 participating nations and gracing the African continent for the first time. Morocco has been entrusted with hosting duties for not just this edition but also the subsequent four tournaments, extending through 2029. This commitment underscores the growing global reach and importance of women’s football, with Africa playing a central role in its development. The expanded format presents more opportunities for nations to compete on the world stage, fostering the growth of the women’s game and showcasing emerging talent.
The tournament’s opening match, scheduled for October 17, will see hosts Morocco face off against Brazil, setting the tone for the ensuing weeks of competition. This symbolic match represents the global nature of the tournament and the excitement surrounding its arrival in Africa. Following the group stage, the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage. This format ensures a competitive and engaging tournament, with teams vying for a spot in the round of 16 and a chance to progress further towards the ultimate prize.
The expansion to 24 teams signifies a pivotal moment for women’s football, offering a broader platform for young players to demonstrate their skills and gain valuable experience on the international stage. This move reflects FIFA’s commitment to promoting the women’s game and fostering its growth globally. The 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup promises to be a landmark event, showcasing the future stars of women’s football and further solidifying the sport’s global presence. With Morocco as the central hub for the next five editions, Africa will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the women’s game, inspiring a new generation of players and fans alike. The tournament’s expanded format, coupled with its debut on African soil, marks a significant step forward for women’s football and sets the stage for a thrilling and historic competition.
