Spain have made a positive start to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Mexico 2-0 in their opening fixture to take an early lead in Group F.

The Spanish side collected all three points with a convincing performance against Mexico, placing themselves at the top of the standings after the opening round of matches. Mexico, meanwhile, sit at the bottom of the group after failing to find a way past their opponents.

Australia and Chile occupy the other positions in Group F after playing out a 1-1 draw. Both teams earned a point from the encounter, leaving the group competitively poised as the teams look ahead to their next fixtures.

Spain’s victory gives them an early advantage, but Australia and Chile remain within reach, with plenty still to play for as the group stage progresses.

Elsewhere in the tournament, the United States produced one of the most remarkable performances of Matchday 1, thrashing Samoa 17-0 in a dominant display.

The result underlined the Americans’ attacking strength and provided a memorable start to their campaign. Spain and China also began their respective campaigns with victories, giving several teams early momentum in the competition.

China defeated Kenya 3-0 to secure all three points, making a strong opening statement as they look to progress through the tournament.

While the opening matches have provided plenty of goals and early talking points, the focus will now turn to the next round of fixtures, where teams will look to strengthen their positions and improve their chances of advancing.

Nigeria face setbacks in youth and beach soccer

Away from the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Nigerian football has endured a difficult period following disappointing results for the Sand Eagles and the Golden Eaglets.

Nigeria’s beach soccer team suffered a setback in their bid to qualify for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations after losing to Ghana’s Black Sharks on penalties.

The result ended the Sand Eagles’ hopes of securing qualification through that encounter, adding to the recent disappointment surrounding Nigerian football.

The Golden Eaglets also experienced a difficult campaign at the WAFU-B U-17 Championship. Nigeria were eliminated after drawing 1-1 with Côte d’Ivoire, having already suffered an opening defeat against Niger.

The results represent a disappointing outcome for Nigeria’s youth and beach soccer teams, with both sides missing out on their respective qualification objectives.

As the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup continues, Spain will look to build on their opening victory, while Australia and Chile will aim to secure their first wins of the group stage.