Japan and France meet in a clash of opening-game winners on the next matchday of the 2026 Women's U-17 World Cup. Canada face Norway, Ghana play Brazil, and Venezuela take on Zambia in the other fixtures.
The first round of matches in Groups C and D produced 18 goals. The next set offers successful starters an opportunity to strengthen their positions while increasing the pressure on teams seeking their first points.
Japan and France seek another win
Japan opened with a 5-0 victory over Zambia. France overcame Venezuela, with captain Emma Motyka leading a side in which her twin sister Léa found the net. Their meeting could have a significant influence on the race to finish first in Group D.
Canada approach Norway after losing 6-2 to Brazil, conceding four goals in the final 34 minutes. Norway, by contrast, beat Ghana 3-0 to record their first victory in the competition.
Brazil build on a strong start
Last year's semi-finalists Brazil were helped against Canada by Greise Kelly, who scored twice and supplied three assists in a player-of-the-match display. Ghana must respond after a difficult return following three editions away.
Venezuela and Zambia both lost their opening games, making their meeting particularly important to their last-16 ambitions. Venezuela finished fourth on their two previous appearances in 2014 and 2016. Zambia reached the round of 16 at the previous tournament, but will need an improvement on their opening defeat to Japan to pursue another knockout appearance.