Argentina and Brazil have become the first South American nations to qualify for the 2026 U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. Both teams secured their spots by defeating Venezuela and Chile respectively in the U-17 South American Women's Championship semi-finals, setting up a final meeting on May 9.
Argentina edged Venezuela 1-0 in Asuncion thanks to captain Agustina Maldonado's 88th-minute penalty. In the second semi-final, five-time South American champions Brazil faced Chile and needed penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. Gamonal gave Brazil the lead in the second half, but Chile responded with two goals in four minutes through Abaca and Conejo. Mariana Candido equalized for Brazil with seven minutes remaining, forcing a shootout which Brazil won 5-3.
Venezuela and Chile still have opportunities to qualify through play-offs against Colombia and Ecuador respectively. No South American team has ever won the U-17 Women's World Cup, with Colombia's runner-up finish in 2022 being the continent's best result.
