Morocco’s women’s U17 national team face Argentina this Friday, 23 October (18:00 GMT) at the Mohammed VI Complex in Rabat/Salé. Buoyed by a brace from forward Nessma Mouradi against Germany, they are playing for a place in the round of 16.
Morocco’s women’s U17 national team play their third and final group match against Argentina this Friday, 23 October 2026 at 18:00, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat/Salé. The stakes are direct: the second qualifying place in Group A for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, according to FIFA. Morocco are playing this World Cup on home soil, under head coach Youness Rabie.
On 20 October, on matchday 2, the national team went down 4-2 to Germany. Their forward Nessma Mouradi had scored a brace in the 65th and 90th minutes, the second from the penalty spot, according to the FRMF. That defeat means Morocco must bounce back against Argentina to stay in the hunt for the round of 16.
Mouradi, Morocco’s attacking weapon
Against Germany, Nessma Mouradi scored both of Morocco’s goals in the match, both from the penalty spot. That brace keeps her team in the race for second place in the group.
The defeat came against a team already qualified: Germany, who already have 6 points. Morocco found the net twice, both goals bearing the signature of their only scoring forward, and the team will need to rely on that efficiency against Argentina.
Argentina, an opponent back in the running
For their part, Argentina got back on track by beating New Zealand 2-0, according to the FRMF. That win keeps them in contention for the second qualifying place in Group A.
Germany, meanwhile, already have 6 points and are qualified before facing New Zealand, according to FIFA. The clash between Morocco and Argentina therefore looks like a decisive showdown for second place in the group.
A format that leaves the door open
The tournament brings together 24 nations. The format offers a ticket to the top two in each group and the four best third-placed teams, according to Afrik-Foot. That is a factor that could count for Morocco in the event of an unfavourable result against Argentina, without however guaranteeing qualification.
The match will be broadcast live on the FIFA+ platform and on beIN Sports, according to Afrik-Foot. Kick-off is set for 18:00 GMT at the Mohammed VI Complex in Rabat/Salé.