France and Germany will meet in the final of this year’s UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship.
The French and the Germans won their respective semi-finals today to reach the decider at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park.
Both France and Germany had to navigate penalty shootouts to reach the WU17 Euro 2026 final.
France got past Norway in the first of the semi-finals, which were both staged at the National Stadium. And Germany edged past Spain in the second of the last four encounters.
The French, who maintained their 100 per cent record in the tournament, took the lead against Norway on 42 minutes.
Striker Margot Collin fed the ball to midfielder Léa Motyka on the right flank. Motyka was initially blocked off after she charged into the area. But she collected the loose ball and fired a low shot into the corner of the net.
Prior to the goal French attacker Rachael Adedini had a couple of efforts, while midfielder Elise Dhalluin tested the Norwegian keeper with a long range free-kick.
France, who topped Group B to reach the last four, had the better of the first half, however Norway pushed further forward after the break.
In the 54th minute the Norwegians drew level with their first attempt on goal.
Attacker Maia Melgård twisted and turned on the right flank before entering the area. She slipped the ball to midfielder Mie Hoem, who controlled the ball with her chest and then produced a looping cross which was nodded home by fellow midfielder Stine Ariell Solemdal.
Group A runners-up Norway had more of the ball as the match wore on, although the French created a couple of half-chances.
Neither side could find the net again, so it was straight to a penalty shootout. Motyka, substitute midfielder Maelys Ane and defender Mayra Bento scored for France, while Melgard was the only Norwegian to score. France goalkeeper Clélia Ducreux was the star of the show with three penalty saves. The French won the shootout 3-1.
In this evening’s second WU17 Euro 2026 semi-final Germany won 4-3 on penalties against Spain after the match had ended 0-0 in regulation time.
Spain, who finished second in Group B, created more chances than the Group A table toppers overall but could not find the back of the net.
In the first half Germany keeper Mirja Kropp had to be alert to thwart a few Spanish attacks, including attempts from defender Iraia Fernandez and midfielder Angela Galvez.
Germany did not muster a clearcut chance, however they looked dangerous on the counter attack.
Just after the restart Spanish captain Carlota Chacon had a shot blocked and then Spain had a couple of half-chances.
On 76 minutes Germany midfielder Fiona Itgenshorst steered an effort wide of the target.
Deep into added time Spain defender Charlotta Ohlander headed towards goal, however Kropp comfortably clutched the ball.
In the shootout Germany’s scorers were Johanna Putzer, Lena Joy Martens, Laura Dafinger and Dana Kessler. Ohlander, Fernandez and Maialen Valladares scored for Spain.
The semi-finalists at the WU17 Euros have automatically qualified for this year’s FIFA WU17 World Cup, which is due to be staged in Morocco.
There was a play-off at Inver Park in Larne earlier today for Europe's fifth berth at that global tournament.
And it was Poland who prevailed against England thanks to two fine goals from midfielder Zofia Burzan.
The UEFA WU17 Euro 2026 tournament, which is being hosted by the Irish FA this year, is a festival of women’s football showcasing some of the best young players in Europe.
Tickets for Sunday’s final are available at irishfa.com/wu17euro. The game between France and Germany will have a 6pm kick-off.
Image: France midfielder Léa Motyka scored in regulation time and in the penalty shootout as the French edged past Norway in the first of today’s semi-finals.
