Nigeria’s Flamingos have suffered a disappointing start to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after losing 2-1 to Poland, while defending champions Korea DPR began their campaign with a commanding 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico.

According to a report by ESPN on Sunday, October 18, 2026, the opening results have shaped the Group B standings, with Nigeria dropping to third place without a point after their first match.

Korea DPR lead the group with three points and a goal difference of plus six following their emphatic win over Puerto Rico. The defending champions demonstrated their attacking quality by scoring five times in the first half before adding another goal after the break.

Yu Jong-hyang and Kim Won-sim both scored twice, while Ri Ui-gyong and Ri Ye-rim also found the net to complete the comprehensive victory.

The result gives Korea DPR an early advantage as they attempt to retain their world title, while Puerto Rico face an uphill battle after conceding six goals without scoring.

Nigeria, meanwhile, were unable to avoid defeat in their opening fixture against Poland. Wiktoria Skrzypczak gave the European side the lead from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute before Natalia Skrok extended their advantage in the 65th minute.

The Flamingos responded through Oluebube Umejiaku, who pulled one goal back in the 79th minute and offered Nigeria hope of salvaging a result.

However, the Nigerian youngsters could not find an equaliser despite their efforts in the closing stages, allowing Poland to claim all three points.

Group B standings after the opening matches

Korea DPR occupy first place with three points and a goal difference of plus six. Poland sit second with three points and a goal difference of plus one, while Nigeria are third without a point and have a goal difference of minus one. Puerto Rico remain fourth, also without a point, but with a goal difference of minus six.

Despite the setback, Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage remain intact. Under the tournament format, the top two teams in each group qualify automatically for the Round of 16, alongside the four best third-placed teams.

The Flamingos must now improve their performances in their remaining fixtures, beginning with their meeting against Puerto Rico on Tuesday, October 20. That encounter could prove decisive in determining whether Nigeria can recover from their opening defeat and strengthen their position in the group.

Nigeria will then face defending champions Korea DPR on Friday, October 23, in what is expected to be a difficult test. Poland and Korea DPR will also meet on Tuesday in another important Group B fixture.

For the Nigerian side, securing victory against Puerto Rico will be essential to keeping their qualification hopes firmly on track. Another defeat would leave them under greater pressure heading into their final group match.

With Poland and Korea DPR already off the mark, the Flamingos must respond positively in their next outing if they are to remain in contention for a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.