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-Biala, Katowice, Lodz and Sosnowiec. Korea DPR are the defending champions, having won the 2024 tournament, while Japan finished as runners-up. Host Country: Poland. Tournament Dates: September 5-27, 2026. Total Teams: 24 (expanded from 16). Qualified Teams (all 24 confirmed): CONCACAF (4): Canada, United States, Mexico, Costa Rica.
UEFA (6 including host): Poland, France, Spain (2022 champions), England, Italy, Portugal (debut). OFC (2): New Caledonia (debut, first FIFA women's tournament appearance), New Zealand. AFC (4): Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, China PR. CAF (4): Ghana, Nigeria, Benin (debut), Tanzania (debut). CONMEBOL (4): Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador (debut). Tournament Format: Group Stage: 24 teams divided into six groups of four.
Round of 16: the top two teams from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, advance. Quarter-finals 8 teams, semi-finals 4, third-place match before the final; Final: September 27, 2026, in Lodz. 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. Historic Absences: Germany (failed to qualify for the first time since 2002), Netherlands (absent after three consecutive tournaments), Austria (one appearance in 2024).
Player Eligibility: players born between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010. Key Differences from 2024: expanded to 24 teams (from 16), Poland hosts (the first women's FIFA tournament), September dates, 8 new teams eligible. https://www.fifaworldcupnews.com/2026-fifa-u-20-womens-world-cup/
