Poland is hosting the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup from September 5 to 27, marking the country’s first-ever FIFA women’s tournament. It is also Poland’s second time hosting a FIFA U-20 World Cup, following the successful men’s edition in 2019.
The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is currently underway, with 24 teams competing across six groups for a place in the knockout stage. The tournament is being played across four Polish host cities: Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, Łódź and Sosnowiec. Korea DPR are the defending champions, having won the 2024 tournament, while Japan finished as runners-up.
The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup represents a crucial development opportunity for global women’s youth football, with Poland providing world-class facilities and proven tournament hosting experience.
-Host Country: Poland
-Tournament Dates: September 5-27, 2026
-Total Teams: 24 (expanded from 16)
-Tournament Type: Biennial women’s youth championship
Qualified Teams (All 24 Confirmed)
The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will take place in Poland, hosted across four venues located in four different cities. It features 24 teams from all six FIFA confederations, with hosts Poland automatically qualifying. The tournament is being played across six groups of four teams.
1). CONCACAF(4 Teams) – Qualified
-Canada. (U.S. runner-up qualifiers May 2025)
-United States (12-time champions)
-Mexico (11-time appearance)
-Costa Rica (5th appearance).
2). UEFA (6 Teams Including Host)
-Poland (Host nation, debut)
-France (10-time appearance)
-Spain (6th appearance, 2022 champions)
-England (6th appearance since 2018)
-Italy (3rd appearance since 2012)
-Portugal (Debut – 2025 UEFA U-19 qualifiers winner).
3). Oceanic Football Confederation( OFC (2 Teams)
-New Caledonia (Debut, first FIFA women’s tournament appearance)
-New Zealand (10th appearance)
4). Asian Football Confederation( AFC; 4 Teams) Qualified for 2026 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup (August-September 2026)
-Japan
-Korea DPR
-Korea Republic
-China People Republic( CPR ).
5). Confederation of African Football( CAF (4 Teams). Qualified for the 2026 African U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
-Ghana
-Nigeria
-Benin (Debut)
-Tanzania (Debut)
6). CONMEBOL (4 Teams)
Qualified for the 2026 South American U-20 Women’s Championship.
-Brazil
-Argentina
-Colombia
-Ecuador (Debut).
Tournament Format
-Group Stage: 24 teams are divided into six groups of four.
-Round of 16: The top two teams from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stage.
-Quarter-finals: 8 teams
-Semi-finals: 4 teams
-Third-place match: Played before the final
&Final: September 27, 2026, in Łódź
Notable Qualifications & Debuts
FIFA confirms that Poland, Benin, Ecuador, New Caledonia, Portugal and Tanzania are all making their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup debuts.
Debut Teams:
-Poland (host nation)
-Portugal (first appearance)
-New Caledonia (first FIFA women’s tournament ever)
-Benin (from Africa)
-Ecuador (from South America)
Tanzania (from Africa)
Historic Absences:
-Germany (failed to qualify for the first time since 2002)
-Netherlands (absent after three consecutive tournaments)
-Austria (one appearance in 2024).
Champions:
-USA (12-time appearance, multiple championships)
-Spain (2022 champions)
-Japan (multiple titles and finalist appearances).
Player Eligibility
Players born between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010, are eligible for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Key Differences from 2024 Edition
-Expanded to 24 teams (from 16)
-Poland hosts (the first women’s FIFA tournament)
-September dates (summer weather in Poland)
-8 new teams eligible (including debuts like Portugal, New Caledonia)