U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team Set for Showdown Against Norway
The U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team gears up for an exciting conclusion to group play against Norway on Friday, October 24, at 9 a.m. ET, broadcast on FS2. With the team already having secured its spot in the knockout rounds following a stellar 5-2 victory over China, all eyes are on this pivotal match that could see the U.S. clinch first place in Group C.
Building Momentum: The USA vs. China
In their previous match against China, the U.S. faced an early hurdle when China PR struck first with a goal from Zhou Xinyi in the 12th minute. However, the U.S. squad showcased remarkable resilience. Lauren Malsom equalized in the 27th minute, followed by goals from Maddie DiMaria and Nyanya Touray just before halftime, pushing the score to 3-1. The second half saw Touray and Malsom netting additional goals, further solidifying their dominance. China did manage to score again late in the match, but it was clear that the U.S. had firmly established its footing in the tournament.
A Truly Global Tournament
This edition marks a significant milestone as the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup has expanded to feature 24 nations for the first time, up from 16. With Morocco hosting the tournament, fans can expect a high level of competitiveness. Teams are bifurcated into six groups of four, with the top two from each group, along with the four best third-place teams, advancing to the newly instituted Round of 16.
Match Schedule and Venues
The matches will take place across two magnificent venues: the Football Academy Mohammed VI in Salé, which boasts three pitches, and the Olympic Stadium Annex Sports Complex in Rabat, seating up to 21,000 spectators. Notably, both venues are located just 13 miles apart, showcasing Morocco’s commitment to providing an exceptional tournament experience.
Group C Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Kickoff (ET) | Venue | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 24 | USA vs. Norway | 9 a.m. | Mohammed VI Football Academy, Salé | FS2 |
Group C Results So Far
-
Oct. 18
USA 3, Ecuador 0
China 5, Norway 0 -
Oct. 21
USA 5, China 2
Ecuador 2, Norway 0
Standings and Implications
As the group stage approaches its conclusion, the standings currently reflect the U.S.’s commanding performance:
| Team | GP | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | +5 | 6 |
| China | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 5 | +2 | 3 |
| Ecuador | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| Norway | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | -7 | 0 |
A win or draw against Norway will secure first place in the group for the U.S., providing a favorable position heading into the knockout rounds.
Historical Context and Player Spotlight
This year’s event is also noteworthy as it features several young athletes who have already made their mark. Players born on or after January 1, 2008, can compete, with a significant number aged 16 or younger—many of whom are poised for future tournaments. Coach Kate Schoepfer has selected a blend of experience and youth, showcasing both seasoned players and newcomers.
Among the standout players, Nyanya Touray and Lauren Malsom are making headlines, each with three goals thus far and vying for a spot as one of the tournament’s leading scorers. Their performances could be pivotal not only for the U.S. in the current World Cup but also in building the foundation for future competitions.
U-17 Women’s Team vs. Norway: What to Expect
As the U.S. prepares to take on Norway, it’s interesting to note that this will be the teams’ first encounter in a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup setting. Norway, making its debut in this tournament, had a strong showing at the 2025 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship, reaching the finals. Their notable performance will make them a formidable opponent for the U.S.
Broadcasting the Action
Fans worldwide can catch all the exhilarating action of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on the Fox Sports family of networks, as well as on Tubi. The USA’s upcoming match against Norway will be available on FS2, ensuring that supporters can follow their team’s journey through this exciting tournament.
Final Thoughts on Team Strategy and Depth
As the U.S. aims to navigate the knockout rounds successfully, maintaining strong possession will be crucial—something they have excelled at thus far while holding 70.2% possession in their match against China. This skill, combined with the momentum of their previous wins and the depth of their roster, positions the U.S. well as they seek to make history by winning all three group matches for the first time at a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The anticipation is palpable as the U.S. prepares to face Norway. Will they solidify their commanding role within the tournament? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for an unforgettable display of talent and teamwork.