Morocco, Nigeria and Zambia fly Africa’s flag into U17 Women’s World Cup last 16

Africa will be represented by three teams in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 Round of 16 after hosts Morocco, Nigeria and Zambia advanced from the group phase.

Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire fell at the first hurdle, but the continent still has a compelling trio in the knockouts, each qualifying as one of the best third-placed sides.

Morocco’s surge in Rabat, Nigeria’s late flourish, and Zambia’s historic passage underline a resilient African showing as the tournament moves into do-or-die football.

Morocco made history by becoming the first host nation to progress from the first round at this level.

After opening with two defeats, the Atlas Lionesses U17s delivered a statement on home soil, beating Costa Rica to clinch third in Group A and a place in the last 16. 

The hosts now face a formidable test against defending champions Korea DPR on Tuesday, 28 October, in Rabat—a tie that pits Morocco’s renewed momentum against the tournament’s most seasoned force in this age group.

Nigeria also finished third—this time in Group D—but did so with a flourish. The Flamingos struggled early, then clicked into gear with a 4–0 victory over Samoa to secure passage.

Their reward is a heavyweight meeting with Italy on Tuesday, 28 October. Nigeria will lean on their tournament know-how, athleticism in wide areas and improving efficiency in front of goal to unsettle a technically polished Italian side.

Zambia complete Africa’s trio and write a new chapter of their own. The Copper Princesses, third in Group F, have reached the U17 World Cup knockouts for the first time in their history.

They take on Canada on Wednesday, 29 October, with belief buoyed by a compact defensive shape and quick transitions that have troubled opponents throughout the group phase.

For Zambia, simply being here is a landmark; advancing further would be transformative for a programme on the rise.

Elsewhere for Africa, Cameroon exited at the foot of Group B after a series of agonising near-misses, and Côte d’Ivoire also bowed out from Group E.

Their departures sharpen the spotlight on the remaining trio: a host nation feeding off home support, a perennial contender rediscovering rhythm, and an ambitious debutant at this stage.

Round of 16 fixtures for African teams:

• Korea DPR v Morocco — Tuesday, 28 October

• Italy v Nigeria — Tuesday, 28 October

• Canada v Zambia — Wednesday, 29 October

With margins tightening and knockout tension rising, Africa’s path runs through three contrasting storylines—but all with the same objective: a quarter-final berth that would keep the continent’s title hopes alive in Morocco.