Nigeria’s Falconets have been handed a challenging group in the draw for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with the African side set to face former champions Spain, China PR and tournament debutants New Caledonia in Group F of the competition to be hosted by Poland.
The draw for the 12th edition of the global tournament was conducted in Lodz, Poland, officially setting the stage for what promises to be another fiercely contested championship involving 24 teams from across the world.
Nigeria, one of Africa’s most consistent sides at the tournament, will be aiming to make a strong impression against European powerhouse Spain and experienced Asian side China, while also facing first-time participants New Caledonia in the group phase.
Hosts Poland were drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, Argentina and fellow debutants Benin, while reigning champions Korea DPR will battle Colombia, Costa Rica and Portugal in Group E as they seek to defend their title.
Elsewhere, Brazil headline Group B with England, Canada and Tanzania, while France will face Korea Republic, Ghana and Ecuador in Group C. Group D features another heavyweight clash involving Japan, the United States, New Zealand and Italy.
The tournament is expected to produce several intriguing rematches from previous editions. France had defeated Korea Republic 1-0 during the group stage of the Costa Rica 2022 edition, while Brazil overcame Canada 2-0 at Costa Rica 2024. Korea DPR also recorded a dominant 9-0 victory over Costa Rica in the same tournament.
Japan and the United States are also set to renew their rivalry after previous meetings at both the 2018 and 2022 editions of the competition.
The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will mark Poland’s first time hosting a major global women’s football tournament. Matches will be played across four host cities — Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, Lodz and Sosnowiec — with the final scheduled for September 27 in Lodz.
The tournament will also feature several debutants, including Benin, Ecuador, New Caledonia, Portugal, Tanzania and hosts Poland, adding fresh excitement and diversity to the competition.
Meanwhile, Korea DPR and the United States will both be chasing history as they aim to win a record fourth FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
