Italy return to the U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2014 — their only previous appearance — when they finished third after a dramatic 4-4 draw and penalty shoot-out win over Venezuela. Earlier this year, the Italians reached the semi-finals of the UEFA U-17 Women’s EURO, where they fell to Norway. Giulia Galli led the charge with three goals, while Rachele Giudici added two.
Costa Rica are also back for the first time since hosting the 2014 edition. They’re still chasing their first-ever World Cup win, having lost all six of their previous matches.
China PR are making their fourth appearance, following tournaments in 2012, 2014, and 2022. They have yet to progress beyond the group stage, though their best showing came in 2012 with a four-point finish.
Norway make their World Cup debut after an impressive run to the final of the U-17 Women’s EURO, where they finished runners-up to the Netherlands.
Defending champions Korea DPR remain the tournament’s most successful team with three titles — 2008, 2016, and 2024. They lifted the trophy again last year in the Dominican Republic, defeating Spain 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Mexico are appearing for the eighth consecutive time, having qualified for every edition since 2010. Their best finish came in 2018 when they finished runners-up to Spain, becoming only the second Concacaf team after the USA to reach the final.
Cameroon are set for their third appearance, after playing in Jordan 2016 and Uruguay 2018. Their only World Cup win so far came in 2018 — a 1-0 victory over Germany — though they’ve yet to progress beyond the group stage.
The Netherlands make their World Cup debut as newly crowned European champions, having defeated Norway 2-1 in the final. Star forward Ranneke Derks was named Player of the Tournament after scoring four goals, including the winner in the final.
The United States head to Morocco for their seventh World Cup appearance. Their best result came in 2008 when they reached the final. Under current coach Katie Schoepfer, they finished third last year after falling to Korea DPR in the semi-finals. This time, they qualified in dominant fashion — scoring 17 goals and not conceding once in three games.
Ecuador, who made their debut last year in the Dominican Republic, return for a second straight appearance after reaching the quarter-finals in their maiden campaign.