2026 FIFA U-17 WWC: Nigeria to face last edition’s bronze medallist, Mexico in Round of 16

From Harry Awurumibe, Live in Morocco

The  Flamingos of Nigeria will face Mexico in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 after the North Americans beat Australia 1-0 in the last Group F match at Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat on Sunday to qualify to meet Nigeria on  Thursday, October 29 in Rabat.

The Mexicans who qualified as the runner-up from Group F with six points as Nigeria were the bronze medallists in the 2025 edition of the tournament while Nigeria had also won bronze in the 2022 edition in India.

Recall the Flamingos secured their place in the knockout stage with six points from three group matches including a resounding 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea last Friday.

The Flamingos will like to repeat their impressive performance against the Koreans when they meet the Mexicans to keep their hope of finishing on the podium like the 2022 Set under the tutelage of Abiodun Olowokere.

Nigeria had in the Third-Place Match in India defeated Germany 3–2 in a penalty shootout after a 3–3 draw in regulation time to claim a historical bronze medal.

This victory marked the first-ever podium finish and medal for Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team in the tournament.