New Zealand have progressed to the last eight for the first time after competing at the youth tournament six times.

They came from behind to beat hosts Uruguay 2-1 in Montevideo, with Grace Wisnewski and Kelli Brown scoring after Belen Aquino had put the hosts ahead at the Estadio Charrúa.

"There's no words to describe how we're feeling right now in the changing room, it's just an amazing atmosphere," Wisnewski said. 

"This was our goal: we wanted to get out of the pool. 

"To be able to achieve that goal is amazing. 

"We just took each game as it came and to be able to say we made history for our country is just incredible."

Ghana defeated Finland 3-1 to ensure their progression with the Europeans and hosts now out.

Millot Pokuaa and Mukarama Abdulai put Ghana 2-0 up in the first half, before Jenni Kantanen scored Finland's first goal at an Under-17 Women's World Cup. 

Grace Animah's free kick then ensured a comfortable victory for Ghana. 

Group B also continued today, with Japan thrashing South Africa 6-0 and Mexico beating Brazil 1-0. 

Both winning teams have four points and will both qualify with a draw in their final game against each other.

Group C resumes tomorrow in Colonia Del Sacramento as United States meet defending champions North Korea and Germany play Cameroon.

South Korea come up against Canada and Colombia play Spain in Group D in Montevideo.