The quarter-final line-up for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco has been confirmed, with the United States, Nigeria and Ghana among the nations progressing to the last eight following an exciting series of Round of 16 encounters.
The United States booked their place with a 2-1 victory over Spain on Thursday, October 29, while Nigeria’s Flamingos defeated Mexico by the same scoreline to maintain their pursuit of the title.
Ghana also secured qualification after overcoming Argentina in a penalty shootout, joining Brazil, DPR Korea, Venezuela, Japan and China PR in the quarter-final line-up.
With eight teams remaining, the competition now enters a decisive stage, as the nations battle for four places in the semi-finals.
USA Eliminate Spain as DiMaria Sets New Record
The United States produced a disciplined performance to eliminate Spain 2-1, with tournament sensation Maddie DiMaria once again making the difference.
Deus Stanislaus gave the Americans the lead two minutes before half-time after breaking through the Spanish defence and squeezing her effort past the goalkeeper with the aid of the post.
DiMaria doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time, showing impressive composure to beat her marker before firing home with her weaker left foot.
The strike was her 12th goal of the tournament, making her the first player to reach that mark at a single edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Spain responded with sustained pressure after the break and pulled one back in the 71st minute through an effort that deflected off American defender Meila Brewer.
However, the United States defended resolutely in the closing stages to preserve their advantage and secure a quarter-final ticket.
USA will now face DPR Korea, who eliminated hosts Morocco with a commanding 6-0 victory.
Flamingos Set Up Venezuela Quarter-Final Showdown
Nigeria’s Flamingos advanced after defeating Mexico 2-1 in their Round of 16 encounter.
Oluebube Umejiaku opened the scoring in the 40th minute before Mary Dunstan extended Nigeria’s advantage in the 71st minute.
Mexico reduced the deficit through Emily Delgado in the 90+10th minute, but the Nigerian youngsters held firm to seal their place in the last eight.
The victory sets up a quarter-final meeting with Venezuela, who eliminated Germany 1-0.
The encounter presents another significant test for the Flamingos, who are targeting a historic maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
Nigeria will be hoping to overcome the South Americans and secure a place in the semi-finals as their campaign in Morocco gathers momentum.
Ghana, Brazil Also Progress
Ghana booked their quarter-final place after edging Argentina in a penalty shootout, while Brazil also survived a shootout to advance to the last eight.
DPR Korea and Venezuela completed the list of successful teams from Wednesday’s Round of 16 fixtures, defeating hosts Morocco and Germany respectively.
Japan and China PR also secured their places in the quarter-finals, completing the eight-team line-up for the next stage of the competition.
Full FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Quarter-Final Fixtures
All four quarter-final matches will be played on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
| Fixture | Kick-off (WAT) | Venue |
|—|—|—|
| Ghana vs Japan | 4:00pm | Pitch 1 |
| DPR Korea vs USA | 4:00pm | Pitch 2 |
| China PR vs Brazil | 7:00pm | Pitch 3 |
| Nigeria vs Venezuela | 7:00pm | Pitch 4 |
The winners of the four encounters will advance to the semi-finals scheduled for November 4, while the final and third-place match will take place on November 7.
For Nigeria, attention will now turn to Venezuela, with the Flamingos aiming to secure a semi-final berth and keep their historic title ambitions alive.
The quarter-final clash promises to be a crucial test of Nigeria’s strength, determination and championship credentials as the battle for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup crown intensifies.
