Eight Nations Exit FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup After Final Group Matches

Elimination of Eight Teams

The final group‑stage matches of the 2026 FIFA U‑17 Women’s World Cup, played on Sunday in Morocco, saw eight national teams exit the competition. Samoa, Chile, Australia, Zambia, Canada, Norway, Puerto Rico and New Zealand were the sides that failed to secure enough points to progress. Samoa, in particular, lost 4‑0 to Kenya in their last game, finishing bottom of Group E with zero points from three matches.

The Round of 16 will begin on Wednesday, with the 16 teams that have qualified confirmed by the tournament organisers.

Qualified Teams for the Knockout Stage

The 16 teams that have moved on to the knockout phase are: Mexico, Venezuela, Spain, China, United States, Kenya, France, Nigeria, Ghana, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Poland, North Korea, Japan and Morocco. These teams were determined after the conclusion of the group stage.

### African Representation Four African nations have secured places in the Round of 16. Kenya advanced as one of the best third‑placed teams after beating Samoa 4‑0, while Nigeria, Ghana and the host nation Morocco qualified through their group performances.

Background

The FIFA U‑17 Women’s World Cup is an international tournament for national teams with players under 17. The 2026 edition is hosted by Morocco, with matches held across several cities. The competition follows a group‑stage format, where teams are divided into groups and play each other once. The top two teams from each group, plus the best third‑placed teams, progress to the knockout stage.

The tournament has historically featured strong performances from teams such as the United States, Spain, and Brazil. In 2026, the host nation Morocco has joined the ranks of African teams that have reached the Round of 16, alongside Nigeria and Ghana.

Why It Matters

The elimination of eight teams reshapes the tournament’s competitive landscape. For the eliminated sides, the end of the competition means no further opportunity to contest for the world title and no chance to gain experience on the global stage. For the 16 teams that have advanced, the knockout stage offers a pathway to the semi‑finals and ultimately the championship.

Kenya’s victory over Samoa not only secured their place in the Round of 16 but also highlighted the growing strength of African women's football. The presence of four African teams in the knockout phase is significant for the continent’s representation at the highest level of youth competition.

What Happens Next

The Round of 16 will commence on Wednesday, with matches scheduled to determine the eight teams that will contest the quarter‑finals. The tournament’s schedule will proceed through the quarter‑finals, semi‑finals, and final, culminating in the crowning of the world champion.

No further information on specific match pairings or dates beyond the start of the knockout stage has been released in the sources provided.