Japan return to U17 World Cup final after a decade. Nigeria already made African football history

After three weeks of football in Morocco, the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup will crown its new champions today, 7 November 2026. Japan will be looking to claim their second title after dramatically knocking out North Korea, while Nigeria have reached the final for the first time in their history. And that's not all. The Nigerians have become the first African team ever to reach the final of this tournament.

Japan: The great wall of the tournament

Japan have been among the favourites since the start of the tournament. Sadayoshi Shirai's team made it through the group stage without conceding a single goal before beating Kenya 3:1 and Ghana 1:0. However, their biggest test came in the semi-finals against North Korea, who had won the previous two tournaments and were aiming for a third consecutive title. Japan also had a score to settle with their opponents, having suffered a 5:1 defeat in the final of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in May.

Even deep into stoppage time in the semi-final, it looked as though history would repeat itself. North Korea had been leading since the 52nd minute thanks to a goal from Ri Ui-gyong and were closing in on another final. However, Japan equalised in the fifth minute of stoppage time through an own goal by Won Sol-gyong before winning the penalty shootout 4:1. Asuka Tanaka converted the decisive penalty. Japan have now reached the final for the first time since 2016 and have the chance to add to their only previous title, won in 2014 when they defeated Spain 2:0 in the final.

Japan's biggest strength has been their defence. They have conceded just twice in six matches, giving them the best defensive record of any team at this year's tournament. Further forward, midfielder Nanami Kurita has been particularly impressive, scoring four goals, including the winner against Ghana in the quarter-finals. Japan also have considerably more experience of playing in World Cup finals than their opponents. This will be their fourth appearance in the title decider.

Nigeria: From opening defeat to the historic final

While Japan's place in the final is hardly surprising given their history, Nigeria's journey has been one of the most remarkable stories of this year's tournament. The Flamingos did not get off to a good start, suffering a 2:1 defeat to Poland in their opening match, which complicated their hopes of progressing from the group. However, they bounced back with a victory over Puerto Rico before producing one of the tournament's biggest suprises in their final group-stage match, beating North Korea 3:1.

They carried that momentum into the knockout rounds. Nigeria defeated Mexico 2:1 in the round of 16 before Azeezat Oduntan's 89th-minute penalty secured a narrow quarter-final victory over Venezuela. In the semi-finals against Brazil, however, the Nigerians produced a much more convincing performance. After a goalless first half, Queen Joseph opened the scoring before Awawu Bashiru added two more goals. Brazil managed only a late consolation as Nigeria secured a 3:1 victory.

Bashiru's story is particularly remarkable. Before the semi-final, she had played just 73 minutes at the tournament, all as a substitute. However, she was handed a place in the starting line-up against Brazil and played a crucial role in the historic victory with two goals. Nigeria are not relying on just one goalscorer, either. Eight different players have contributed to their goals so far.

The team from Africa will now attempt to achieve something no African team has managed before. Both Nigeria and Ghana have previously won bronze medals, but no African nation had reached a U17 World Cup final before this year. Nigeria could also become the first team in the tournament's history to win the title after losing their opening match.

Watch the final here. 

The best defence against a prolific attack

The final will also offer an interesting clash of playing styles. Japan have conceded just two goals, while Nigeria have been among the most active teams in front of goal. According to FIFA statistics, the Nigerians have registered 113 shots throughout the tournament, with only North Korea recording more.

For Japan, this is an opportunity to claim their second world title, twelve years after their first triumph. Nigeria, meanwhile, could complete a remarkable journey that began with defeat to Poland and continued with victories over two major title contenders. Whatever the outcome, the U17 Women's World Cup will crown new champions.