Japan has seized control of Group D at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 with a decisive 5-0 win against Zambia in their opening match.
The Japanese team currently leads the group with three points and a goal difference of +5, showcasing their strong offensive capabilities. France sits in second place after securing a 2-0 victory over Venezuela. Venezuela occupies the third position, while Zambia is at the bottom following their substantial loss.
With the initial matches completed, the race for qualification remains competitive, but Japan has gained an early lead. France aims to build on their success, while Venezuela and Zambia must react in their forthcoming games to keep alive their aspirations.
In another group, Nigeria’s Flamingos are working to bounce back from their disappointing opener in Group B, which ended in a 2-1 defeat to Poland. This setback necessitates a strong comeback for the Nigerian team in their future group matches.
Precious Oscar made a late appearance as head coach Akeem Busari sought to alter the match’s outcome. Nigeria managed to score through Oluebube Umejiaku in the 79th minute, assisted by Kanyinsola Yusuf, but could not find an equalizer.
Oscar’s role comes as Nigeria shifts focus to their next match against Puerto Rico. To turn their campaign around, the team will need to exhibit more composure in attack and solidify their defensive play.
As Japan and France enjoy favorable starts in Group D, the tournament’s early results highlight the potential for swift changes in fortune. With more matches to play, all teams still have a chance to secure a place in the knockout stages.
