Germany fought back to beat Argentina 2-1, while defending champions DPR Korea thrashed Puerto Rico 6-0 on the opening day of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026.
Germany recovered from an early setback to secure victory in their Group A encounter, while DPR Korea announced their title ambitions with a ruthless display in Group B.
Argentina took the lead when Mercedes Diz capitalised on a misplaced back-pass by Clara Choisy before rounding goalkeeper Bianca Virga and scoring from a tight angle.
Diz missed another opportunity to extend Argentina’s lead shortly afterwards, firing over from close range after Josefina Galarza delivered a pass across the penalty area.
Germany gradually grew into the contest and equalised when Marie Kleeman won possession inside Argentina’s box.
Although Choisy failed to connect with Kleeman’s cut-back, the ball fell to Germany captain Johanna Hebben, who calmly finished to make it 1-1.
Argentina’s hopes suffered a major blow in the 42nd minute when Oriana Bralo was sent off following a VAR review for a high tackle on Choisy.
Germany took advantage of their numerical superiority after the break, with substitute Mia Kuhn scoring the winner.
Kleeman supplied the assist, releasing Kuhn to drive forward before the substitute fired a low effort into the bottom corner.
The victory handed Germany three points in Group A, while Argentina were left to rue their missed chances and Bralo’s dismissal.
### DPR Korea begin title defence in style
In Group B, DPR Korea sent a strong warning to their rivals with a commanding 6-0 demolition of Puerto Rico.
The defending champions took the lead through Yu Jong-hyang’s header before overwhelming their opponents with four more goals in the first half.
Ri Ui-gyong, Kim Won-sim and Ri Ye-rim were among the scorers as DPR Korea dominated the encounter.
Yu produced one of the highlights of the match with a spectacular long-range strike into the top corner, adding to her opening goal.
The forward, who won the adidas Golden Ball and Golden Boot at last year’s tournament, once again demonstrated her attacking quality.
Kim completed her brace shortly after the restart, scoring DPR Korea’s sixth goal to cap an impressive performance.
Puerto Rico improved defensively as the match progressed, limiting further damage and preventing Ji Yun-nam’s side from extending their advantage.
The emphatic victory gave DPR Korea a flying start to their title defence, while Germany also opened their campaign with a hard-fought comeback win.
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