Germany and Poland also began their campaigns with victories, completing an action-packed opening day at the tournament in Morocco.
Germany came from behind to beat Argentina 2–1 in Group A, while Poland defeated Nigeria’s Flamingos by the same scoreline in Group B. The four matches provided an early glimpse of the competition, with several teams demonstrating their attacking quality.
Germany Fight Back to Beat Argentina
Germany began their campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over tournament debutants Argentina in Group A.
Argentina took an early lead through Mercedes Diz in the ninth minute after capitalising on a defensive mistake. Germany responded through captain Johanna Hebben, who equalised in the 25th minute.
The match took another significant turn shortly before half-time when Argentina’s Oriana Bralo was sent off following a video review.
Germany capitalised on their numerical advantage after the break, with Mia Kuhn scoring the winning goal in the 52nd minute to complete the comeback.
The victory gave Germany three valuable points as they began their quest for the world title.
• Germany U-17 2–1 Argentina U-17
• Germany scorers: Johanna Hebben 25', Mia Kuhn 52'
• Argentina scorer: Mercedes Diz 9'
Korea DPR Deliver Six-Goal Statement
Defending champions Korea DPR announced their title ambitions with a commanding 6–0 victory over Puerto Rico in Group B.
Yu Jong-hyang opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Ri Ui-gyong doubled the advantage in the 19th minute.
Kim Won-sim added Korea DPR’s third in the 34th minute, and Yu Jong-hyang completed her brace four minutes later.
Ri Ye-rim scored in first-half stoppage time to make it 5–0 before Kim Won-sim added her second goal shortly after the interval.
Puerto Rico, making their debut at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, worked hard to limit further damage in the second half but could not prevent a comprehensive defeat.
Korea DPR’s performance underlined their status as defending champions and established them as an early force in Group B.
• Korea DPR U-17 6–0 Puerto Rico U-17
• Korea DPR scorers: Yu Jong-hyang 6', 38'; Ri Ui-gyong 19'; Kim Won-sim 34', 50'; Ri Ye-rim 45+1'
Morocco Thrill Home Supporters Against New Zealand
Hosts Morocco gave their supporters plenty to celebrate with an impressive 4–0 win over New Zealand in Group A.
Despite dominating the first half, Morocco were unable to break the deadlock before the interval. Their persistence eventually paid off in the 57th minute when Sonia Abajiou headed the hosts into the lead.
Morocco doubled their advantage in the 70th minute when New Zealand captain Eden Chaytor inadvertently turned the ball into her own net.
Imane Dhissi then scored in the 76th minute to put the result beyond doubt, before Hiba Youssoufi converted a penalty in the 82nd minute to complete the emphatic victory.
The result gave Morocco a perfect start on home soil and strengthened their position in a competitive Group A.
• Morocco U-17 4–0 New Zealand U-17
• Morocco scorers: Sonia Abajiou 57', Eden Chaytor (own goal) 70', Imane Dhissi 76', Hiba Youssoufi 82' (pen)
Poland Defeat Nigeria’s Flamingos
Nigeria’s Flamingos suffered a disappointing start to their campaign, losing 2–1 to Poland in Group B.
Poland took the lead through Wiktoria Skrzypczak’s first-half penalty before Natalia Skrok extended the advantage shortly after the hour mark.
Nigeria responded through substitute Oluebube Umejiaku, whose 79th-minute free-kick reduced the deficit and gave the Flamingos renewed hope.
The Nigerian youngsters pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not find a second goal, leaving them without a point from their opening fixture.
The defeat means Nigeria must respond in their next group match against Puerto Rico on Tuesday, 20 October, to strengthen their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.
• Poland U-17 2–1 Nigeria U-17
• Poland scorers: Wiktoria Skrzypczak (pen), Natalia Skrok
• Nigeria scorer: Oluebube Umejiaku 79'
Opening-Day Results at a Glance
• Germany 2–1 Argentina — Group A
• Korea DPR 6–0 Puerto Rico — Group B
• Morocco 4–0 New Zealand — Group A
• Poland 2–1 Nigeria — Group B
What Comes Next?
The group-stage action continues on Sunday, 18 October, with four more fixtures scheduled in Morocco.
Canada will face Brazil in Group C, while Japan take on Zambia in Group D. Norway meet Ghana in another Group C encounter, and France will face Venezuela in Group D.
After the opening-day results, Germany and Morocco have made positive starts in Group A, while Poland and defending champions Korea DPR lead the early race in Group B.
Nigeria’s Flamingos will now look to bounce back against Puerto Rico, while the other teams will aim to build on their opening performances as the race for the knockout stage begins to take shape.