Japan has joined Germany and North Korea in qualifying for the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Japan secured their place in the knockout stage after defeating France 2-0 in Rabat on Wednesday, thanks to a late brace from Mei Hanashiro.
Hanashiro broke the deadlock in the 88th minute before scoring again in stoppage time to seal Japan’s second consecutive victory and take their points tally to six.
Germany and North Korea had earlier secured qualification after winning their opening two group matches.
More group-stage matches are scheduled for Thursday, with Spain facing Australia, the United States taking on Kenya, China meeting Samoa, and Mexico playing Chile.
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled to begin on October 28.
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