Ghana staged a late fightback to earn a 3-3 draw against Brazil, while Japan secured qualification for the Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-0 victory over France on Wednesday at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026.
The day’s action also produced thrilling victories for Canada and Venezuela, with the latter snatching a last-gasp winner despite finishing with 10 players.
Ghana Fight Back to Deny Brazil
Ghana demonstrated their resilience against one of the tournament’s established contenders, recovering from behind twice to secure a valuable point against Brazil in a six-goal Group C encounter in Rabat.
Brazil struck first in the seventh minute through Nicolly Manuel, who headed home after Indy delivered a cross from the right.
The Black Maidens responded impressively, with Rafia Osman restoring parity in the 31st minute before Gloria Ameaa put Ghana ahead four minutes later with a superb 20-yard strike following a counterattack.
Brazil levelled just before half-time through Ranifah, who headed in from Helena’s free-kick, before Indy fired the South Americans in front in the 57th minute with an effort that deflected into the far corner.
With Brazil seemingly on course for victory, Ghana refused to surrender. Jessica Appiah drove forward down the right before setting up Priscilla Mensah, who converted from close range in the 85th minute to secure a dramatic equaliser.
Jessica Appiah was named Player of the Match for her influential performance.
The result offered Ghana encouragement in a challenging group, while Brazil were left to reflect on their inability to protect their advantage.
Ghana coach Joe Nana Adarkwa praised his players’ determination but acknowledged that there was still room for improvement.
Japan Leave It Late to Eliminate France’s Hopes of an Early Qualification
Japan booked their place in the Round of 16 after Mei Hanashiro scored twice in the closing stages to secure a 2-0 victory over France in Group D.
Despite dominating much of the contest, Japan struggled to turn their possession into goals until the 88th minute, when Hanashiro struck from distance after Asuka Tanaka won back possession.
The forward, introduced as a substitute in the 70th minute, returned to the spotlight in stoppage time, producing an impressive individual effort in the 90+3rd minute to complete her brace.
The victory gave Japan a second successive win and confirmed their progression to the knockout stage.
France, meanwhile, were left disappointed after conceding twice in the final minutes, although their campaign remains alive.
Hanashiro was named Player of the Match following her decisive contribution.
Canada Bounce Back Against Norway
Canada responded to their heavy 6-2 defeat against Brazil with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Norway in another Group C thriller.
Reed Tingley gave Canada the lead in the 15th minute before converting a penalty in the 32nd minute to complete her brace.
Norway reduced the deficit through Stine Klaeboe-Solemdal in first-half stoppage time and increased the pressure after the break.
However, Adalyn Fairweather restored Canada’s two-goal cushion in the 78th minute with a spectacular long-range strike. Hanne Nesse pulled another goal back for Norway six minutes later, but Canada held on to claim all three points.
Tingley was named Player of the Match after her two-goal performance.
Venezuela Snatch Dramatic Victory Over Zambia
Venezuela produced one of the tournament’s most dramatic finishes, scoring in the final seconds to defeat Zambia 3-2 despite having their goalkeeper sent off in stoppage time.
Zambia made an early breakthrough through Precious Mwewa in the fourth minute, but Ariana Ojeda equalised for Venezuela in the 13th minute.
Grace Phiri restored Zambia’s advantage in the 54th minute with a powerful right-footed strike before Orliany Duran levelled for Venezuela in the 63rd minute.
The contest took another twist in stoppage time when Venezuela goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales was sent off, forcing defender Abril Alejo to take over in goal.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Andrea Suarez struck in the 90+10th minute to deliver a remarkable victory for the 10-player Venezuelan side.
Suarez was named Player of the Match for her decisive contribution.
Results at a Glance
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 — Wednesday, October 21
- Canada 3-2 Norway — Group C
- Ghana 3-3 Brazil — Group C
- Japan 2-0 France — Group D
- Venezuela 3-2 Zambia — Group D
