Costa Rica's U-17 women's national team was eliminated from the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup following a 3-1 defeat to host nation Morocco in their final Group A match. The loss at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium left Costa Rica with one point from three games, while Morocco advanced to the round of 16 for the first time in tournament history.
The match on Friday evening carried high stakes, with Costa Rica needing a victory to maintain hopes of progressing as one of the best third-place teams after their earlier 1-1 draw against Brazil. Morocco, winless in their previous two fixtures, relied on home support to secure qualification.
Morocco took the lead in the fourth minute when forward Mayssa Baha capitalized on a mishandled clearance by Costa Rica goalkeeper Valeria Fernández to score from close range. The 14-year-old Baha doubled the advantage in the 39th minute, converting a penalty after Fernández fouled a Moroccan attacker in the box.
Costa Rica mounted pressure in the second half but faced setbacks. In the 71st minute, Fabiana Alfaro's goal was disallowed following a VAR review for offside. Six minutes later, Alfaro inadvertently scored an own goal from a Moroccan free kick, making it 3-0.
The Ticas showed late resilience, with substitute Naima Moya netting a consolation goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time via a well-placed shot. Despite the effort, the final score stood at 3-1.
Costa Rica held 51 percent possession and edged shots 10-9, but Morocco was more clinical with six shots on target to Costa Rica's three. Yellow cards were issued to players on both teams, maintaining the game's competitive flow without major disruptions.
Finishing bottom of Group A with one point, three goals scored, and seven conceded, Costa Rica's squad under coach Édgar Rodríguez, including captain Priscilla Rodríguez and forward Sharon Umaña, gained experience despite defensive errors. Morocco, with three points, qualified as one of the four best third-place teams and will face Group B winners North Korea in the round of 16. In the group's other match, Italy beat Brazil 4-3.