Nigeria drawn against Korea DPR, Poland and Puerto Rico in 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s Flamingos have been handed a challenging group-stage assignment at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after being drawn alongside Poland, Puerto Rico and two-time champions Korea DPR in Group B.

Akeem Busari’s side secured their place at the global tournament after overcoming Benin’s Young Amazons in a high-scoring qualifying tie, winning 8-5 on aggregate to book Nigeria’s place among the world’s best youth teams.

The Flamingos produced an entertaining attacking display across both legs of the qualifier, claiming a narrow 3-2 victory in the first encounter at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne.

They completed the job in dramatic fashion in the second leg in Lomé, recording a thrilling 5-3 win to progress with an eight-goal aggregate scoreline.

Poland first hurdle for Busari’s team

Nigeria will begin their World Cup campaign on 17 October 2026 against Poland at the Women’s Football Complex in Rabat, with the opening fixture expected to set the tone for their tournament ambitions.

The Flamingos will then return to action three days later when they face Puerto Rico on 20 October, before concluding their group-stage schedule against one of the competition’s most successful teams.

Their final Group B fixture comes on 23 October against Korea DPR, who have lifted the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title twice and remain one of the tournament’s traditional powerhouses.

The clash will provide a major test for Busari’s young squad as they aim to advance to the knockout stages.

Morocco prepares for historic tenth edition

The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Morocco from 17 October to 7 November 2026, marking the tenth edition of the competition.

Nigeria have enjoyed a strong history at the tournament, consistently competing among the top teams since the competition’s introduction and producing several players who have gone on to represent the senior Super Falcons.

The Flamingos will now intensify preparations as they target another memorable campaign on the global stage.