New Zealand have begun their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™ campaign with a 0-4 defeat to host nation Morocco, conceding all four goals in the second half at the Mohammed VI Academy in Salé.
Making their joint-record tenth FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance (as one of only two nations to have participated in every edition of the tournament), the Young Football Ferns held firm for 45 minutes but were outclassed after the break in their opening Group A fixture, conceding the final three goals in the space of 12 minutes.
Having registered 16 attempts at goal through the first half, Morocco finally broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, Sonia Abajiou heading the host nation in front.
A deflection in the penalty box saw New Zealand captain Eden Chaytor direct the ball into her own net for Morocco’s second goal in the 70th minute, before Imane Dhissi and Hibba Yousssoufi wrapped up the North African side’s third win at a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with the final two goals in the 76th and 82nd minutes.
The Young Football Ferns mustered just two shots compared to Morocco’s 39 and were outclassed across the course of the contest. They’ll resume their campaign against Argentina on Wednesday morning NZT.
Morocco: 4 (Sonia ABAJIOU 57′, Own Goal 70′, Imane DHISSI 76′, Hibba YOUSSOUFI (P) 82′)
New Zealand: 0
HT: 0-0
Photo credit: FIFA via Getty Images