DPR Korea delivered a ruthless performance to eliminate hosts Morocco 6-0, while Brazil survived a dramatic penalty shootout against Poland as four teams secured their places in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday.
Venezuela and Ghana were the other teams to advance, with Venezuela edging Germany 1-0 before Ghana defeated Argentina 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
The Round of 16 produced contrasting contests, with DPR Korea dominating Morocco, Brazil and Poland sharing six goals before a tense shootout, and Venezuela recording a major upset against one of the tournament favourites.
DPR Korea Demolish Hosts Morocco
Defending champions DPR Korea underlined their title credentials with a commanding 6-0 victory over Morocco in Rabat.
Yu Jong-hyang led the demolition with a brace, scoring in the sixth and 43rd minutes to continue her outstanding campaign. The forward has now scored seven goals at Morocco 2026 and 15 across two editions of the tournament.
Kim Won-sim also scored twice, finding the net in the 33rd and 41st minutes as DPR Korea took firm control before half-time.
Ri Ui-gyong added the fifth goal in the 54th minute before Ri Kyong-im completed the rout eight minutes later.
The emphatic victory sent DPR Korea into the quarter-finals and strengthened their bid to retain the title.
Brazil Edge Poland in Penalty Thriller
Brazil booked their quarter-final ticket after defeating Poland 8-7 in a sudden-death penalty shootout following an entertaining 3-3 draw.
Greise Kelly gave Brazil the lead in the 11th minute, but Poland responded through Nicola Galuszka in the 34th minute and Zofia Burzan two minutes later to turn the contest around.
Marcela Bontorim restored parity for Brazil in the 52nd minute before Pepe put the South Americans ahead in the 73rd minute.
Burzan struck again in the 83rd minute to complete her brace and force the match into a shootout.
Brazil goalkeeper Nathalia Borges Cardoso, known as Nathy, emerged as the decisive figure, saving penalties from Wiktoria Skrzypczak and Galuszka to secure her team’s progression.
Greise Kelly was named Player of the Match.
Venezuela Stun Germany
Venezuela produced one of the biggest surprises of the Round of 16 by defeating Germany 1-0 to reach the last eight.
Diana Bravo scored the decisive goal in the fifth minute after Germany failed to clear a cross from Karla Alfonzo.
Germany dominated much of the encounter but struggled to convert their opportunities as Venezuela defended their advantage to the final whistle.
Venezuela had reached the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams in the group phase, making their victory over the previously impressive Germans particularly significant.
Juneski Flores was named Player of the Match.
Ghana Eliminate Argentina on Penalties
Ghana also progressed after overcoming Argentina 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Jessica Appiah put Ghana ahead in the 16th minute after being set up by Cynthia Obinsrewuo.
Argentina pushed for an equaliser and were rewarded in the 86th minute when Mercedes Diz headed home from a looping free-kick.
Ghana had been reduced to 10 players after Hajara Adam received a second yellow card with 13 minutes remaining, but the African side held on to take the contest to penalties.
Argentina’s Oriana Gomez missed her attempt, while Ghana converted all five kicks to seal qualification. Appiah scored the decisive penalty after opening the scoring in normal time.
The forward was named Player of the Match for her influential performance.
Quarter-Final Places Confirmed
DPR Korea, Brazil, Venezuela and Ghana have now advanced to the quarter-finals of Morocco 2026, with the remaining Round of 16 fixtures set to determine the other four teams in the last eight.
The results also ensured that Germany, Poland, Argentina and hosts Morocco exited the competition, with DPR Korea’s emphatic victory providing the standout scoreline of Wednesday’s action.
