FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Morocco suffers heavy defeat to Argentina; Round of 16 hopes hang in the balance
Following a 1–5 loss to Argentina in Rabat on Friday, the "Lionesses of the Atlas" finished third in Group A. With three points to their name, the Moroccan side must now await the results from other groups to see if they will continue their journey in this home-hosted World Cup.
Morocco’s final match of the group stage ended in disappointment. Playing before a home crowd at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, the Moroccans were outclassed by Argentina, who capitalized on their clinical finishing to secure a commanding 5–1 victory on the third matchday of Group A at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Lionesses of the Atlas had started the match brightly; as early as the 2nd minute, Nesma Mouradi appeared to have opened the score, but her goal was disallowed. It served as a wake-up call for Argentina, who gradually took control of the game.
In the 14th minute, Mercedes Díaz broke the deadlock for the South Americans. She struck again in the 29th minute—capitalizing on a defensive error by Morocco—before Josefina Galarza extended the lead. In first-half stoppage time, Díaz completed her hat-trick, leaving the Moroccans trailing by four goals at the break.
The second half rally falls short
After the interval, the Moroccans attempted to fight back, playing with greater intent. Their efforts were rewarded in the 58th minute when Nesma Mouradi narrowed the deficit, offering a glimmer of hope to the host nation. But Argentina did not let any doubt creep in. In the 73rd minute, Julieta Aguilar scored her team’s fifth goal, effectively sealing the outcome of the match. Too fragile defensively, the "Lionesses" were unable to halt their opponents' attacks.
This defeat concludes a mixed group stage for Morocco, which secured three points but finished behind Germany and Argentina in Group A.
Morocco’s fate rests on other results
Germany, having won all three of their matches, finished at the top with nine points. Argentina placed second with six points, also securing direct qualification for the Round of 16.
Finishing third with three points, Morocco must now wait. The best-performing third-place teams can also advance to the next round, depending on how their records compare to those of teams in other groups.
For the "Lionesses of the Atlas," hope remains, despite this heavy defeat on home soil. Their continued progress in this World Cup—hosted by Morocco—now depends on the results of other teams.