Germany recovered from an early setback to claim a 2-1 victory over Argentina in an entertaining Group A contest on the opening day of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Argentina took the lead after Germany’s Clara Choisy misplaced a back-pass, allowing Mercedes Diz to capitalise on the error. Diz rounded goalkeeper Bianca Virga before finishing from a tight angle to give the South Americans the advantage.
Argentina nearly doubled their lead shortly afterwards when Josefina Galarza broke down the left flank and delivered a pass to Diz, but the forward fired over the crossbar from close range.
Germany gradually grew into the contest and eventually found an equaliser through captain Johanna Hebben.
Marie Kleeman won possession inside Argentina’s penalty area and played a cut-back that Choisy failed to connect with. The ball, however, fell to Hebben, who calmly finished to restore parity.
A major turning point arrived in the 42nd minute when Argentina’s Oriana Bralo received a straight red card following a VAR review for a high challenge on Choisy.
With Argentina reduced to 10 players, Germany increased the pressure and took full advantage of their numerical superiority.
Germany completed their comeback shortly after the interval through substitute Mia Kuhn.
Kleeman provided the decisive assist, releasing Kuhn into space with a well-timed pass. The substitute advanced towards goal before firing a low shot into the bottom corner to give Germany the lead.
The goal proved decisive as Sabine Loderer’s side held on to secure all three points in their opening Group A fixture.
The victory gives Germany an encouraging start to their campaign as they pursue a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
