Nigeria
How they qualified: Winners of the CAF third round of qualifiers against Algeria (4-0 on aggregate)
Appearances : 8 (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2022, 2024, 2025)
Best U-17 World Cup result: Third place (2022)
Coach: Bankole Olowookere
Shakirat Moshood is undoubtedly Nigeria’s most exciting player – and perhaps the one to watch in the entire tournament. And why not, when the young midfielder is about to make her second U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance after shining at Dominican Republic 2024? At just 16, she scored four goals, leaving a strong impression on observers. Only Spain’s Pau Comendador, the adidas Silver Ball and adidas Golden Boot winner, outscored her, with five goals.
Canada
How they qualified: Group winner of the Concacaf qualifiers
Appearances : 8 (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2025)
Best U-17 World Cup result: Fourth place (2018)
Coach: Jen Herst
“She’s what I would call a ‘connector’; she talks to everyone and links everyone together.” That’s how Canada coach Jen Herst describes defender Bridget Mutipula, who is set to be a vital presence for her nation in Morocco. Having been disappointed by missing out on Dominican Republic 2024, the 17-year-old is ready for redemption at the upcoming edition. Possessing fine technical traits and having earned comparisons to Virgil van Dijk, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC product is set to be one of Canada’s key assets in their eighth U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance.
France
How they qualified: Semi-finalist at the UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship 2025
Appearances : 4 (2008, 2012, 2022, 2025)
Best U-17 World Cup result: Winner (2012)
Coach: Mickael Ferreira
Regarded as one of the most talented young players France has produced, Rachael Adedini was spotted by Manchester United at just 13. The forward did not hesitate to cross the Channel from her club in Orleans and now continues her development at Manchester City. With the Citizens, she is already being talked about as having the potential to be a top striker. Gifted both technically and physically, Adedini is a nightmare for any defence; Nigeria, Canada and Samoa have been warned.
Samoa
How they qualified: Runners-up at the 2024 OFC U-16 Women’s Championship
Appearances: 1 (2025)
Coach: Juan Chang Urrea
One of the rising stars of Samoan football is central defender Breanna Kitiona. The captain is one of a handful of players set to feature both at Morocco 2025 and also next year’s edition of the tournament after she helped steer Samoa to a runners-up finish at last month’s OFC U-16 Women’s Championship.
Entrusted with a key leadership role by coach Juan Chang Urrea, the 16-year-old is a composed and dominant presence at the heart of the Samoan backline and made her senior national team debut earlier this year, signalling her importance to the Pacific debutants.
