Follow Us on Google
The Flamingos of Nigeria will face Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Saturday as they seek to win their first title in the competition.
The final is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 pm Nigerian time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat, Morocco.
The encounter will be the first meeting between both countries at the U-17 Women’s World Cup and their first appearance against each other in a global final.
Where to watch the Nigeria vs Japan match
Football fans can watch the final live and free on FIFA+, with streaming also available through DAZN.
How Nigeria reached the final
Nigeria began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland but recovered with a narrow victory over Puerto Rico.
The Flamingos subsequently stunned defending champions DPR Korea 3-1 before recording victories over Mexico and Venezuela to advance in the competition.
They secured their place in the final after defeating Brazil in the semi-finals, with Queen Joseph playing a key role in the victory.
Nigeria’s qualification marks the first time an African country has reached the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
How Japan reached the final
Japan booked their place in the final after an impressive campaign in Morocco.
The Asian side won all their group-stage matches without conceding a goal before overcoming Kenya in the round of 16 and Ghana in the quarter-finals.
They defeated DPR Korea in the semi-finals through a penalty shootout after the encounter ended in a draw.
Saturday’s encounter will be Japan’s fourth appearance in the final of the competition. They won their only previous title in 2014.
Players to watch
Japan’s Mei Hanashiro will be one of the players to watch, having scored four goals and provided one assist in the tournament.
Nigeria will depend on Queen Joseph, whose attacking contributions have been important to the Flamingos’ progress, particularly in their semi-final victory over Brazil.
A victory would make Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
