The Morocco U17 Lionesses face one of their toughest challenges yet as they take on North Korea in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday, October 28.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM Morocco time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, where Youness Rabie’s side will look to overcome a formidable opponent and make history in front of their home supporters.
For Morocco, this encounter represents an opportunity to go one step further than ever before in the competition. The young Atlas Lionesses reached the Round of 16 in the previous edition but were eliminated by North Korea after suffering a heavy 6-1 defeat.
A Chance to Make Moroccan Football History
The Moroccan youngsters enter the knockout stage determined to turn their qualification into a memorable World Cup run.
Their campaign began in impressive fashion with a 4-0 victory over New Zealand, offering an early glimpse of their attacking potential. However, defeats against Germany (4-2) and Argentina (5-1) followed, leaving Morocco to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Now, the challenge becomes even greater. A victory would send the Lionesses into the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, marking another significant milestone for women's football in Morocco.
North Korea: A Formidable Opponent
North Korea arrive with an imposing record at youth level and a reputation as one of the competition's strongest nations. The Asian side has won the U17 Women's World Cup four times, making them a serious threat in the knockout rounds.
Their group-stage performances demonstrated their attacking strength. North Korea opened with a 6-0 win over Puerto Rico, followed by a 6-1 victory against Poland, before suffering a surprise 3-1 defeat to Nigeria. Despite that setback, they finished top of Group B.
Morocco will therefore need discipline, defensive concentration and clinical finishing to stand a chance against an opponent that has already shown its ability to score freely.
Where and When to Watch Morocco vs North Korea
Moroccan supporters will be able to follow the decisive encounter live across several broadcasters and streaming platforms.
- Match: Morocco U17 vs North Korea U17
- Competition: FIFA U17 Women's World Cup — Round of 16
- Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Kick-off: 6:00 PM Morocco time
- Venue: Mohammed VI Football Complex, Maâmora
- TV channels: Arryadia TNT and beIN Sports
- Streaming: TOD and FIFA+
Mexican referee Karen Hernández Andrade will officiate the match, assisted by compatriots Mayra Mora Constante and Karla Flores. Slovakia's Miriama Bočková will serve as the fourth official.
The Lionesses' Moment of Opportunity
The task ahead is demanding, particularly against a side that eliminated Morocco at the same stage last year. But a home World Cup knockout match offers the young Moroccan players another opportunity to demonstrate their growth and resilience.
The stakes are clear: win and reach a historic quarter-final, or see their World Cup journey come to an end.
With the support of Moroccan fans behind them, the U17 Lionesses will be determined to rewrite the story this time around.