Nigeria’s Falconets have been drawn in a challenging Group F alongside former champions Spain, China, and New Caledonia for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The draw for the 12th edition of the biennial tournament was conducted on Friday in Łódź, one of the host cities for the competition which will run from September 5 to 27, 2026.
Nigeria, Africa’s most successful side in the history of the tournament, will begin their campaign with a blockbuster clash against 2022 champions Spain on September 7 before facing China three days later. The Falconets will conclude their group-stage fixtures against New Caledonia on September 13.
The tournament will be staged across four Polish cities, Łódź, Katowice, Bielsko-Biała, and Sosnowiec with hosts Poland set to face Argentina in the opening match of the competition.
The Falconets secured qualification after defeating Malawi over two legs in the final round of the African qualifiers, extending their remarkable record of participating in every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since the competition began.
Nigeria will head into the tournament hoping to finally lift the trophy after twice finishing as runners-up, in 2010 and 2014, while continuing their reputation as one of the strongest nations in women’s youth football.
Group F is expected to be one of the most competitive groups of the tournament, especially with Spain arriving as one of the favourites following their recent dominance in women’s football at youth and senior levels.
China are also expected to provide a stern test with their disciplined and technically sound style, while New Caledonia enter the tournament as one of the surprise qualifiers and tournament debutants.
For the Falconets, the opening encounter against Spain could play a major role in shaping their path to the knockout stage as they seek to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
