FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026: Japan, DPR Korea, Brazil and Nigeria Flamingos Reach Semi-finals

Japan, DPR Korea, Brazil and Nigeria have secured their places in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 after a series of impressive performances in the group stage and knockout rounds.

The four teams have taken different routes to the last four, with defending champions DPR Korea seeking another title, Japan hoping to add to their previous success, Brazil chasing their first championship and Nigeria aiming to reach the final for the first time.

With two semi-final matches scheduled for 4 November, the remaining contenders will be looking to take another step towards lifting the trophy.

Japan: Former champions aim to add another title

Japan have continued their impressive record in the competition and will be looking to win the title for the second time. They were crowned champions in 2014 after defeating Spain 2-0 in the final, having previously finished as runners-up in 2010 and 2016.

Their campaign in Morocco began with a commanding 5-0 victory over Zambia. Kurita scored twice, while an own goal by G. Phiri and further strikes from Shimizu and Tanaka completed the win.

Japan followed that performance with a 2-0 victory over France, with Hanashiro scoring both goals. They then defeated Venezuela 2-0, as Hanashiro and Kishida found the net.

A 3-1 win over Kenya strengthened Japan’s position in the tournament. Hanashiro, Kurita and Tanaka scored for Japan, while Brenda Achieng got Kenya’s goal.

Japan continued their progress with a 1-0 victory over Ghana, with Kurita scoring the decisive goal.

Their consistent performances have put the former champions within two matches of another world title.

DPR Korea: Defending champions chase another crown

DPR Korea arrive in the semi-finals with one of the strongest records in the history of the competition. They won the title in 2008, 2016, 2024 and 2025, making them four-time champions before the start of the 2026 edition. They also finished as runners-up in 2012. Their latest campaign offers an opportunity to extend that record further.

The defending champions opened their campaign with a 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico. Yu Jong-hyang scored twice, while Ri Ui-gyong, Kim Won-sim, who also scored twice, and Ri Ye-rim contributed to the win.

They followed that result with another six-goal performance, defeating Poland 6-1. Yu Jong-hyang and Kim Won-sim each scored twice, while Ri Ye-rim and Ri Ui-gyong also found the net. Gałuszka scored Poland’s goal.

DPR Korea then suffered a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria, with Yu Jong-hyang scoring from the penalty spot for the Koreans. Nigeria responded through Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku and Kanyinsola Yusuf.

The defending champions recovered emphatically with a 6-0 victory over Morocco. Yu Jong-hyang and Kim Won-sim both scored twice, while Ri Ui-gyong and Ri Kyong-im added the other goals.

They completed their route to the semi-finals with a 3-0 win over the United States. Ri Ui-gyong scored twice and Ri Ye-rim added another goal.

Despite their defeat to Nigeria, DPR Korea have demonstrated the attacking strength that has made them one of the competition’s most successful teams.

Brazil: Chasing a historic first title

Brazil have reached the semi-finals after an eventful campaign that has included high-scoring victories, draws and a dramatic penalty shoot-out. They are still pursuing their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, having finished fourth in 2025, their best result before the 2026 tournament.

Their campaign began with a 6-2 victory over Canada. Helena, Nicolly Manuel, Marcela Bontorim, Greise Kelly, who scored twice, and Pepê were on target for Brazil.

Brazil then played out a 3-3 draw with Ghana, with Nicolly Manuel, Kaillany Ranifah and Indy scoring for the South Americans.

They returned to winning ways against Norway, securing a 3-0 victory through goals from Carol Melo, Sofia Gamonal and Helena.

Brazil’s next match against Poland ended 3-3 in regulation time. Greise Kelly, Marcela Bontorim and Pepê scored for Brazil, while Gałuszka and Burzan, who scored twice, were on target for Poland. Brazil eventually prevailed 8-7 in the penalty shoot-out to advance.

Their quarter-final against China produced another tense contest. China took the lead through Wu Yichen, but Helena scored twice, including a late winner, to secure a 2-1 victory for Brazil and a place in the semi-finals.

Brazil will now face Nigeria with the opportunity to reach the final and move closer to winning the tournament for the first time.

Nigeria: Flamingos target their first final

Nigeria’s Flamingos have reached the semi-finals for the second time in their history, keeping alive their ambition of making the final for the first time.

Their previous semi-final appearance came in 2022 in India, where Nigeria finished third and claimed the bronze medal. That remains the country’s best performance at the tournament.

The 2026 campaign began with a 2-1 defeat to Poland. Oluebube Umejiaku scored Nigeria’s only goal in the opening match, but the Flamingos responded strongly to remain in contention.

They defeated Puerto Rico 2-0, with Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Precious Oscar scoring to secure their first victory.

Nigeria then produced one of the tournament’s biggest results by defeating defending champions DPR Korea 3-1. Adegbuyi, Umejiaku and Yusuf scored for the Flamingos, while Yu Jong-hyang converted a penalty for the Koreans.

The Nigerian team continued their progress with a 2-1 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16. Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan scored for Nigeria, while Delgado found the net for Mexico.

In the quarter-finals, Nigeria faced Venezuela in a closely contested encounter. With extra time approaching, Azeezat Oduntan converted a penalty in the 89th minute to secure a 1-0 victory and send the Flamingos into the last four.

The victory marked Nigeria’s fourth win in regulation time at the 2026 tournament, setting a new national record for the most regulation-time victories in a single edition of the competition.

Nigeria are now just two matches away from winning the title. Their semi-final against Brazil offers the Flamingos an opportunity to surpass their previous best finish and reach the final for the first time.

Semi-final fixtures

The semi-finals will take place on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

Japan will face DPR Korea at 4:00 p.m. Nigerian time, while Brazil will meet Nigeria at 7:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

For Japan, the challenge is to turn their consistent performances into another championship. DPR Korea will seek to extend their dominance, Brazil will aim to reach their first final, and Nigeria will attempt to make history by securing their maiden appearance in the title decider.

The final is scheduled for 7 November 2026.