The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, FIFA has confirmed, establishing the schedule for the upcoming youth competition.
“Save the date,” the world football governing body wrote on its official 𝕏 account on Thursday. The #U17WWC will be held in Morocco this year from October 17 to November 7.
After the 2025 edition, Morocco will host the expanded 24-team competition for the second time.
Morocco will host the competition every year from 2025 to 2029 as part of a multi-year deal that was agreed by the FIFA Council in March 2024. The choice made the nation the first in Africa to consistently host the women’s young global competition.
The finals will include 24 teams from six confederations. Five countries from Africa will participate, and Morocco will be the hosts by default. Qualification rounds, which are slated to take place between May and July 2026, will determine the remaining four African spots.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the results of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are the subject of controversy in African football at the time of FIFA’s announcement.
According to Naija News, on March 18, the Moroccan Football Federation’s appeal was upheld by CAF, depriving Senegal of the championship and giving it to Morocco through a 3-0 forfeit. The judgment came after Senegalese players temporarily left the field in protest of a late penalty call during a chaotic final in January 2025.
Senegal’s triumph in extra time was overturned by CAF, citing violations of its rules under Articles 82 and 84. Senegal’s government has reacted strongly to the ruling, demanding an impartial inquiry into claims of prejudice and corruption inside the continental organization.
