Nigeria’s Flamingos have written a new chapter in women’s football history, beating Japan 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final in Morocco to become the first African winners of the tournament.
Key takeaways
- The Flamingos secured Africa’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup crown.
- Nigeria defeated Japan by a 2-1 scoreline in the 2026 final in Morocco.
- The competition, launched in 2008, switched from a biennial event to an annual tournament in 2025.
- North Korea lead the all-time title standings with four championships.
- Spain have won the tournament twice, while South Korea, France and Japan have one title apiece.
A landmark title for Nigeria and Africa
Nigeria’s success represents a defining moment for both the country and the wider African women’s game. The triumph ends the continent’s long pursuit of a title in the age-group competition, which had gone without an African champion from its inaugural edition in 2008 until the Flamingos’ 2026 breakthrough.
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup was staged every two years when it began in 2008. That schedule changed from the 2025 tournament onwards, with the event becoming an annual competition.
Past champions and final results
North Korea remain the competition’s most decorated side, having collected four titles. Their victories came in 2008, 2016, 2024 and 2025.
Spain have claimed the trophy on two occasions, winning in 2018 and 2022. South Korea, France and Japan have each lifted the title once.
Nigeria’s 2026 victory therefore adds another nation to the roll of honour and stands as a major achievement for African football.
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup champions: listed final results
- Final result: 2-1 after extra time.
- Final result: 3-3, with a 5-4 penalty shootout win.
- Final result: 1-1, decided 7-6 on penalties.
- Final result: 0-0, followed by a 5-4 shootout victory.
- Final result: 1-1, with the winners prevailing 4-3 on penalties.
