New Zealand have suffered their second defeat at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, losing 2-0 to Argentina in Group A.
Argentinian striker Mercedes Diz scored both goals, striking either side of half-time to secure her country’s first victory of the tournament.
The Argentinians created many first-half chances, hitting the crossbar three times with long-range efforts.
Diz opened the scoring in the 42nd minute before adding her second in the 69th minute at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. Diz, who has already represented Argentina at full international and U-20 levels, was named Player of the Match.
Main photo: Goalscorer Mercedes Diz (second from left) receives the congratulations of her Argentine teammates. Photo credit: FIFA.
After the match, New Zealand captain Amelia Hitchcock said she was “really proud” of her team.
“It was a very tough game. Argentina are such a good team,” she said.
“Obviously, it’s a bit frustrating, the result. But, I mean, there’s nothing we can do now. We tried our best and we really put ourselves out there. I’m really proud of the team for doing that.”
Argentina coach Christian Meloni said: “This is a historic victory for Argentina. It is our first win in the history of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and these players will go down in history as the first Argentine team to achieve it.
“We are a competitive team against any national side, and that is what we have shown at this World Cup.”
The result leaves New Zealand without a point or a goal after their opening two matches, following a 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco.
New Zealand now face Germany in their final Group A fixture on Saturday October 24, 2026 (NZT).
Germany beat hosts Morocco 4-2 in the second group fixture played on Wednesday.
The tournament features 24 nations, with the top two teams in each group and four best third-placed sides advancing to the round of 16.
Results
Group A
Games played on Wednesday October 21, 2026 (NZT)
Argentina 2 (Mercedes Diz 42′, 69′)
New Zealand 0
Morocco 2 (Nessma Mouradi 64′, 90+5′ pen)
Germany 4 (Marie Kleeman 27′, Lena Martens 34′, Clara Choisy 45+2′, Mia Giesen 50′ pen)
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Group A
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
Germany
2
2
0
0
6
3
3
6
Morocco
2
1
0
1
6
4
2
3
Argentina
2
1
0
1
3
2
1
3
New Zealand
2
0
0
2
0
6
-6
0
Line-ups
Argentina
1. Bianca Virga (gk), 2. Julia Vinhas, 4. Aitana Diaz, 5. Agustina Maldonado (captain) (14. Agustina Leguizamon 73′), 15. Renata Barletta, 16. Macarena Torre, 18. Lola Hernandez (19. Gabriella Szczuka 11′), 7. Julieta Aguilar (17. Oriana Gomez 64′), 8. Brunella Pilati, 9. Mercedes Diz (10. Josefina Galarza 73′), 11. Violeta Alvarez (20. Lola Conde 73′).
Subs not used: 12. Araceli Saleme, 21. Julia Konjuh, 13. Briana Lagartera, 3. Mia Gamarra.
New Zealand
1. Nienke Holland (gk), 2. Micaela Besley (15. Madeleine Dwyer 85′), 4. Mila Clark, 5. Eden Chaytor, 18. Madison Sharkey (17. Louisa Egley-Turner 72′), 7. Mia Humphrey, 8. Ariana Vosper, 10. Cate Atkinson (16. Emmie Butler 58′), 11. Amelia Hitchcock (captain), 13. Isla Robson (9. Lania Fili 72′), 19. Jessica Ellis (6. Bree Toatelegese 58′).
Subs not used: 12. Madison Greaves (gk), 21. Elin Gainsford (gk), 3. Alexandra Hedington, 14. Bonnie Rice, 20. Morgan Day.
Fixture
Game to be played on Saturday October 24, 2026
New Zealand v Germany
Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 3), Salé, Morocco, 7am (NZT)
This story was first published on October 21, 2026.