Morocco welcomes rising stars as Under-17 Women’s World Cup begins

The FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup has opened in Morocco, bringing together 24 national teams for a tournament running from 17 October to 7 November. The competition provides an international stage for emerging players from six continents, with Rabat hosting the tournament. Hosts Morocco faced New Zealand in their opening Group A fixture on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. FIFA confirmed the participating squad lists ahead of kick-off, setting the stage for three weeks of competition involving some of the next generation’s leading football prospects. For African women’s football, the tournament brings attention to youth development and the importance of pathways connecting school, academy and club football with international opportunities. The group stage will determine which teams progress towards the knockout rounds and the final. Source: FIFA’s tournament information and opening-match coverage.