Japan vs Nigeria: Flamingos Keep Faith with Winning XI as Both Teams Name Starters for 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Final | How to Watch Live

Nigeria’s Flamingos have named an unchanged starting XI for their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final against Japan, while the Asian side have made four changes to the team that started their semi-final.

The final takes place on Saturday, 7 November 2026, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat, Morocco. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 pm Moroccan time (7:30 pm Nigerian time).

Nigeria name unchanged starting XI

Head coach Akeem Busari has retained the same starting XI that defeated Brazil 3–1 in the semi-final.

Azeezat Oduntan continues to lead the defence, while Awawu Bashiru keeps her place in midfield after scoring twice against Brazil. Bashiru had replaced the slightly injured Tosin Rafiu in the semi-final starting line-up.

Starting XI

1. Jane Ijirigho (GK) (1)

2. Azeezat Oduntan (Captain) (3)

3. Ohunene Sunday (5)

4. Esther Stephen (13)

5. Kanyinsola Yusuf (19)

6. Mary Dunstan (8)

7. Favour Nkwocha (10)

8. Awawu Bashiru (11)

9. Queen Joseph (7)

10. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (14)

11. Oluebube Umejiaku (17)

Substitutes

Onyinyechi Opara (16), Mercy Felix (21), Elizabeth Adesuyi (2), Pattra Oparanmegwa (6), Muinat Rotimi (4), Tosin Rafiu (12), Precious Oscar (15), Kaosarat Akanji (20), Chidera Chidi Harmony (9), Sakirat Sarafa (18).

Japan make four changes

Japan have made four changes to the starting XI that drew 1–1 with Korea DPR before advancing 4–1 on penalties in the semi-final.

Wara Shimizu, Sayana Oshita, Rara Higuchi and Yuka Kishida come into the starting line-up, replacing Anri Ito, Himari Nishi, Keiko Kitajima and Nanami Kurita.

Captain Honoka Yotsumoto remains in the starting XI as Japan pursue a second FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title.

Starting XI

1. Kou Kadowaki (GK) (21)

2. Wara Shimizu (2)

3. Honoka Yotsumoto (Captain) (4)

4. Sana Morota (6)

5. Sayana Oshita (16)

6. Rara Higuchi (7)

7. Harura Matsushita (8)

8. Yuka Kishida (9)

9. Fuki Ito (10)

10. Mashiro Yamaji (18)

11. Mei Hanashiro (14)

Substitutes

Mikan Yamanaka (1), Riruha Wakatsuki (12), Anri Ito (3), Himari Nishi (5), Asuka Tanaka (11), Keiko Kitajima (15), Runa Sumiya (13), Arisu Ota (17), Kotone Sato (19), Nanami Kurita (20).

The historical records

Japan are appearing in their fourth FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup final. They previously reached the final in 2010, 2014 and 2016, winning the title in 2014 and finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2016.

Nigeria, meanwhile, are competing in their first-ever final. The Flamingos' previous best performance was a third-place finish in 2022. Their qualification for the 2026 final has already secured the country's best-ever finish at the competition.

Japan are chasing a second world title, while Nigeria are aiming to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

How the teams compare in 2026

Both teams have played six matches heading into the final, with five victories in normal time apiece.

Japan have scored 14 goals and conceded two, keeping four clean sheets. Nigeria have scored 12 goals, conceded five and kept two clean sheets.

Nigeria's only defeat came against Poland in the group stage, while Japan's only match not won in normal time was their semi-final against Korea DPR, which they eventually won on penalties.

The tactical contest: Can Nigeria disrupt Japan's rhythm?

The midfield battle could have a significant influence on the final.

Nigeria have shown attacking variety, movement and an ability to find goals through different players. Their performance against Brazil in the semi-final, when they registered 35 shots and scored three goals, demonstrated their attacking threat and ability to put opponents under sustained pressure.

Japan, meanwhile, have built their campaign around technical combinations, possession and coordinated movement. Their ability to build attacks from the back and involve their full-backs in forward play makes them a difficult opponent to contain.

Busari has already offered an insight into his assessment of Japan. Speaking after the semi-final victory over Brazil, the Nigerian coach identified similarities between Japan and DPR Korea, particularly their preference for building from the back, using passing combinations and allowing full-backs to support attacks.

He believes Nigeria can draw on their 3–1 group-stage victory over DPR Korea as a reference point. However, Japan have their own qualities and should not be treated as a replica of their Asian neighbours.

Nigeria will need to disrupt Japan's passing rhythm without losing their defensive organisation. Pressing at the right moments could force mistakes, but poorly coordinated pressure could leave spaces for Japan to exploit. The Flamingos must also be prepared to manage periods without the ball.

For Japan, the challenge will be to control possession, limit Nigeria's forward movement and prevent the Flamingos from creating dangerous situations around their penalty area.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of both teams in midfield, their ability to manage transitions and the decisions they make in the final third could prove decisive in determining who lifts the trophy.

How to watch Japan vs Nigeria live

The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup final will be available through the following platforms:

• FIFA+: Live match coverage and updates.

• DAZN: Coverage in selected regions.

• Nigeria: NTA, AfroSport, M4STV and other BON partner stations.

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Match officials

Referee: Natalie Simon
Assistant referees: Katarzyna Wasiak and Kali Smith
Fourth official: Carly Shaw-MacLaren
Reserve referee: Melissa Snedden

Match details

Japan U17 vs Nigeria U17 (Flamingos)
Competition: FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026 Final
Date: Saturday, 7 November 2026
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, Rabat
Kick-off: 6:30 pm Morocco | 7:30 pm Nigeria