World Cup - U17 - Women 2025/26

The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup is the primary global championship for female players under the age of seventeen. It serves as the youngest tier in the hierarchy of women's football world championships, positioned below the U-20 and Senior competitions. The tournament was established in 2008, replacing the previous U-19 Women's World Championship, to align with the age structure of FIFA's men's youth football programmes.

A major structural shift took effect starting with the 2025 edition. The field of participating nations expanded from sixteen to twenty-four teams. These sides are divided into six groups of four. Progression involves the top two teams from each group alongside the four best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 16. This format replaces the previous system which featured four groups and quarter-final qualification for the top two and best third-placed sides. The tournament also transitioned to an annual schedule in 2025, following a biennial cycle that ran from its inception until 2024. Morocco hosted the inaugural edition of this expanded format.

Qualification is secured through continental championships such as the UEFA Women's U-17 Championship and the CONCACAF U-17 Women's Championship. The host nation receives an automatic place. North Korea holds the record for most titles, having secured victories in 2008, 2016, 2024, and 2025. Spain is the second most successful nation with two wins. The 2025 final saw North Korea defeat the Netherlands 3-0.

The competition functions as a key development platform for identifying technical talent. It operates independently of domestic league structures, with no promotion or relegation systems linking editions. Players participate to represent their national associations on the international stage before moving to senior levels.