2026 U-17 WWC: Japan coach Shirai warns of tough challenge against Flamingos

Japan head coach Sadayoshi Shirai is expecting a difficult duel against Nigeria’s Flamingos in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Asians are unbeaten in Morocco and have conceded just two goals.

Shirai’s side also scraped through a difficult test in the knockout round against Ghana and DPR Korea on their way to the final.

The Flamingos have also made a big impression in the competition, recovering from a 2-1 defeat against Poland in their first game to earn a place in the final.

The West Africans have won their last five games and are expected to be a tough nut to crack for the Japanese.

Shirai is aware of what lies ahead for his team, having come up against three African sides in the past.

“Winning the World Cup has been our goal ever since this team came together,” Shirai told FIFA during the pre-match press conference.

We’ve already faced three African sides that have all been very powerful and determined to score goals.”