Morocco reach FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup last 16 without playing

Morocco have secured a place in the last 16 of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.

The Atlas Lionesses were left waiting after their final Group A match on Friday, when they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat by Argentina. Their progress was confirmed on Saturday when Venezuela lost 2-0 to Japan in Group D.

That result guaranteed Morocco a position ahead of Venezuela and Canada among the tournament’s best third-placed sides, regardless of the outcomes in Groups E and F.

The qualification represents only the second time Morocco have reached the knockout stage of the competition – and the second consecutive edition in which they have done so.

Youness Rabie’s side will face either North Korea, the two-time defending champions, or Brazil, who finished fourth at the previous edition.

Morocco also advanced through the best third-placed teams last year before reaching the knockout stage. They faced Brazil in the group phase and North Korea in the last 16, losing those matches 3-0 and 6-1 respectively.

Their next match will therefore offer Morocco an opportunity to avenge one of those defeats. Victory would take them into the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

The team began this year’s tournament with a 4-0 victory over New Zealand, before losing 4-2 to Germany in their second group match.