Morocco’s under-17 women’s national team opened their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over New Zealand on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora.
The Group A match was part of the tournament hosted by Morocco from Oct. 17 to Nov. 8, 2026.
The Atlas Lionesses dominated possession and attacking play from the opening minutes, while New Zealand adopted a defensive approach, retreating into its own half and attempting to close down spaces.
Despite creating several opportunities, Morocco failed to break the deadlock in the first half, which ended goalless.
The hosts maintained their pressure after the restart and eventually found a breakthrough in the 57th minute, when Sonia Abajjou headed home to give Morocco the lead.
Morocco doubled their advantage in the 70th minute through an own goal by New Zealand’s Eden Shiator, before Iman Dahissi made it 3-0 six minutes later.
Hiba El Youssfi completed the scoring in the 82nd minute, converting a penalty to seal a convincing opening-day victory for the hosts.
In the other Group A fixture, Germany defeated Argentina 2-1.
Morocco and Germany therefore opened their campaigns with three points each, while Argentina and New Zealand remain without points. Morocco will face Germany in their next group match before concluding the group stage against Argentina.
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