Morocco
How they qualified: Host country
Appearances: 2 (2022, 2025)
Best U-17 World Cup result: Group stage (2022)
Coach: Anwar Mghinia
Tournament hosts Morocco will look to one of the brightest young talents for inspiration at these finals in Ihssan. Born in Villeurbanne, France, and developed at Montpellier, the 16-year-old made the bold decision to represent the country of her roots.
An attacking midfielder with exceptional vision, technical quality and maturity beyond her years, Ihssan has already established herself as a leader on and off the pitch. Playing in front of a home crowd, she will be determined to guide the Atlas Lionesses to success and help drive the growth of women’s football in Morocco.
Brazil
How they qualified: 2nd place of the South American U-17 Women’s Championship
Appearances : 8 (2008, 2010, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2024, 2025)
Best U-17 World Cup result: Quarter-finals (2010, 2012, 2022)
Coach: Rilany Silva
Every U-17 Women’s World Cup seems to bring a new Brazilian star to the fore. After Giovanna Waksman and Juju lit up last year’s edition, all eyes in Morocco are likely to turn to Evelin.
The Santos forward has been in sparkling form at club level and boasts a natural instinct for goal. At the South American U-17 Women’s Championship, she was instrumental in her side’s run to second place behind Paraguay, finishing as the tournament’s third-highest scorer with six goals.
Italy
How they qualified: Semi-finalist of the UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship 2025
Appearances : 2 (2014, 2025)
Best U-17 World Cup result: Third (2014)
Coach: Viviana Schiavi
Galli’s three goals at the UEFA Women’s U-17 EURO proved decisive, firing Italy into the semi-finals and booking their place at these finals following an 11-year absence.
Leading the line for a side that combines attacking flair with strong discipline, the striker has been developed at Roma, where coach Luca Rossettini intends to hand her more minutes this season. She has already begun to repay that faith: on Matchday 2 of Serie A Femminile, Galli struck late to seal a 1-0 victory over AC Milan, underlining her growing reputation.
Costa Rica
How they qualified: Best runner-up in the Concacaf qualifiers
Appearances : 3 (2008, 2014, 2025)
Best U-17 World Cup result: Group stage (2008, 2014)
Coach: Edgar Rodriguez
Costa Rica captain Ocampos will be the driving force behind the Ticas in Morocco. Renowned for her tireless work in midfield, the 16-year-old also brings valuable experience to the squad, having featured at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024™. Though Costa Rica exited at the group stage, Ocampos earned 30 minutes of action in the final match – a narrow 1-0 loss to Argentina – and gained priceless experience along the way. Now, the teenager who went to Colombia to learn looks ready to lead from the front on the U-17 stage.
