A win over Morocco will take Argentina directly into the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. A draw leaves Argentina third in Group A with four points, while a defeat also leaves them third, with three. In either of those two cases, progression depends on how Argentina compares with the third-placed teams in the other groups. The match is scheduled for Friday, 23 October, at 2 p.m. Brasília time, on Pitch 4 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco.
These scenarios are calculated from the four Group A results played through 20 October and FIFA's rules for the 2026 edition. Reference date: 22 October 2026, before the group's final matchday. None of the outcomes below should be read as a match result or prediction.
What are the Group A standings before Argentina v Morocco?
Germany beat Argentina 2-1 and Morocco 4-2. The hosts defeated New Zealand 4-0 in their opener. Argentina bounced back with a 2-0 victory over New Zealand, with both goals scored by Mercedes Diz. The two sides meeting in the last round therefore have three points each, but Morocco hold the better goal difference.
| Position | Team | Matches | Points | Goals for | Goals against | Goal difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Germany | 2 | 6 | 6 | 3 | +3 |
| 2nd | Morocco | 2 | 3 | 6 | 4 | +2 |
| 3rd | Argentina | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | +1 |
| 4th | New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -6 |
Standings calculated from the official results on 17 and 20 October, before the matches on 23 October. The six group winners and six runners-up, along with the four best third-placed teams across six groups, reach the round of 16.
What happens if Argentina win, draw or lose?
| Argentina's result | Final points | Group A finish | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win against Morocco | 6 | 2nd | Direct qualification for the round of 16, regardless of New Zealand v Germany. |
| Draw with Morocco | 4 | 3rd | Must finish among the four best third-placed teams. |
| Loss to Morocco | 3 | 3rd | Dependent on other groups; Argentina's goal difference becomes zero or negative. |
Why does a win secure second place?
On six points, Argentina would move ahead of Morocco, who would stay on three. Germany already have six; should Germany also finish on six, they remain ahead of Argentina after winning their head-to-head match 2-1. If Germany earn points against New Zealand, they finish ahead on points instead. An Argentine win therefore guarantees second place specifically, and a berth that does not depend on the third-place ranking.
Why does a draw not guarantee progression?
A draw moves both Argentina and Morocco to four points. With the head-to-head match level and current overall goal differences of +2 for Morocco and +1 for Argentina, the hosts stay second and Argentina finish third. Four points do not mean automatic qualification: only four of the six third-placed sides advance, based on their final group records.
Why would a defeat still leave Argentina third?
Morocco would rise to six points and Argentina would remain on three. Even if New Zealand upset Germany and also reach three, Argentina have the head-to-head advantage thanks to their 2-0 victory. FIFA's group tiebreakers prioritize results between tied teams ahead of overall goal difference. Losing therefore does not automatically put Argentina fourth, but it leaves them reliant on the third-place comparison with a goal difference no higher than zero.
How are the best third-placed teams ranked?
Article 12.4 of the regulations sends the top two from each of six groups and the four best third-placed teams through. Under Article 13.2, third-placed teams are compared in this order: points from all three group matches, goal difference, goals scored, fair-play disciplinary score and, if still required, drawing of lots. By contrast, Article 13.1 ranks teams within the same group by head-to-head results first. Mixing these two sets of criteria would change the scenarios incorrectly.
New Zealand v Germany takes place on the same day and at the same time as Argentina v Morocco. Matches in the other groups continue through 25 October, so Argentina's possible qualification as a third-placed team may depend on later results. It cannot be presented as certain before those groups finish.
When and where is the match?
Argentina v Morocco is scheduled for 23 October 2026 at 2 p.m. Brasília time (6 p.m. local Moroccan time), on Pitch 4 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in the Rabat/Salé area. FIFA's specific fixture list gives that time. A later AFA report says 3 p.m. Argentina time, which conflicts with FIFA's schedule; this article therefore uses the competition organizer's fixture time, subject to rechecking if the schedule changes.
