Defending champions North Korea made an emphatic start to their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign by beating Puerto Rico 6-0 in their opening Group B match on Saturday.

North Korea took control from the outset and led 5-0 at half-time after overwhelming Puerto Rico during the opening 45 minutes. They added a sixth goal after the interval to complete a commanding victory.

The result sends an early warning to Nigeria’s Flamingos and Poland, the other teams in Group B, as North Korea begin their defence of the title in impressive fashion.

Their next assignment is against Poland on Monday. Puerto Rico, who are making their debut in the competition as a CONCACAF side, will look to respond when they meet Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Flamingos are due to face Poland in the second Group B fixture later on Saturday. That match will give both teams the opportunity to begin their campaigns with a positive result and keep pace with North Korea.

The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is being staged in Morocco for the second consecutive year. The 10th edition of the tournament runs from October 17 to November 7 and features 24 teams.

North Korea’s six-goal victory means they immediately establish themselves as the early pace-setters in Group B, while Puerto Rico must recover quickly before their meeting with Nigeria. Poland will also have to overcome the defending champions’ strong opening display when they face North Korea on Monday.

The tournament is the latest stage of international competition for the participating under-17 women’s teams, with the group campaign determining which sides progress beyond the opening phase. For Nigeria and Poland, Saturday’s fixture represents their first chance to challenge North Korea’s early position at the top of the section.