Rabat – Morocco’s U17 Women’s national team return to action today, Wednesday, October 28, as they take on heavyweights North Korea in a high-stakes Round of 16 clash at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora.

Youness Rabie’s side enter the knockout phase determined to write a new chapter in Moroccan women’s football history. Having reached the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, the host nation faces a familiar roadblock: the very same North Korean side that ended their tournament run at this exact stage last year before going on to lift the trophy.

North Korea arrive in Maâmora as four-time world champions in this age category and clear tournament favorites. Despite a surprising group-stage setback against Nigeria, the Asian powerhouse topped Group B in dominant style and represent the ultimate tactical test for the young Lionelles.

Match details

• Fixture: Morocco U17 vs North Korea U17
• Competition: FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 (Round of 16)
• Venue: Mohammed VI Football Complex, Maâmora, Morocco
• Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
• Kick-off: 18:00 Morocco time (WET) / 17:00 UTC / 19:00 CEST

How to watch

• Morocco (Free-to-Air): Arryadia (SNRT TNT live broadcast)
• MENA Region: beIN Sports
• Global Streaming: FIFA+ / DAZN / TOD Stream

Morocco team news & form

• Group Stage Journey: The Lionelles opened their campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over New Zealand before enduring back-to-back group stage defeats against Germany (4-2) and Argentina (5-1). They successfully advanced as one of the top third-place finishers.
• Tactical Outlook: Youness Rabie will count on deep defensive discipline and rapid wide counters to disrupt North Korea’s high-tempo pressing game. Staying compact through central channels will be paramount to surviving early pressure.

North Korea team news & form

• Group Stage Journey: The four-time world champions displayed terrifying offensive depth in their opening fixtures, crushing Puerto Rico (6-0) and Poland (6-1) before falling 3-1 to Nigeria in their final group match.
• Tactical Outlook: Famous for their unrelenting physical intensity and rapid positional interchanges, North Korea will look to establish early control of possession and pin Morocco deep inside their own defensive third.

What to expect

Morocco will look to leverage home support at Maâmora, absorbing early pressure in a disciplined mid-block structure while seeking to exploit space behind North Korea’s aggressive high line.

North Korea will push hard from the opening whistle to impose their rhythm, relying on quick vertical passing and clinical finishing to secure an early breakthrough.

Prediction: Morocco 1-3 North Korea