FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026: Full Schedule, Groups and Guide
The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 begins in Poland on 5 September, bringing together 24 national teams for the 12th edition of FIFA's global women's youth championship.
Poland is hosting the tournament for the first time, with matches taking place in Katowice, Bielsko-Biała, Łódź and Sosnowiec. The competition runs through 27 September 2026, when the final will be played in Łódź.
This guide covers the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 schedule, groups, teams, venues, defending champions, debutants, and tournament format.
For another major FIFA fixture guide, see our 2026 FIFA World Cup first round schedule.
The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 runs from 5 to 27 September in Poland.
Table of Contents
- When and Where Is the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026?
- Host Venues in Poland
- Teams and Qualification
- 24-Team Field and Groups
- FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 Schedule
- Defending Champions and Main Contenders
- Debutant Nations and Key Storylines
- Tournament Format
- How to Watch
- Historical Context
- FAQ
When and Where Is the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026?
The tournament runs from Saturday, 5 September to Sunday, 27 September 2026.
This is the 12th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup and the second edition to feature 24 teams.
Poland is hosting the tournament for the first time. Matches will be staged across four host cities: Katowice, Bielsko-Biała, Łódź, and Sosnowiec.
Tournament at a glance:
- Host: Poland
- Dates: 5 to 27 September 2026
- Teams: 24
- Groups: Six groups of four
- Host cities: Katowice, Bielsko-Biała, Łódź and Sosnowiec
- Defending champions: Korea DPR
- Final: Łódź, 27 September 2026
Host Venues in Poland
Four Polish cities will stage matches during the tournament. The host cities are Katowice, Bielsko-Biała, Łódź, and Sosnowiec.
| City | Stadium |
|---|---|
| Katowice | Arena Katowice |
| Bielsko-Biała | Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała |
| Łódź | Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź |
| Sosnowiec | Arena Sosnowiec |
Four Polish cities host matches at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
The tournament final is scheduled for Łódź on 27 September.
Teams and Qualification
A total of 24 teams qualified for the finals. Poland automatically qualified as host, while the remaining places were allocated through the six FIFA confederations.
| Confederation | Places |
|---|---|
| UEFA | 6, including hosts Poland |
| CAF | 4 |
| Concacaf | 4 |
| CONMEBOL | 4 |
| AFC | 4 |
| OFC | 2 |
The 24-Team Field and Groups
The complete 24-team field is:
- Argentina
- Benin
- Brazil
- Canada
- China PR
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- England
- France
- Ghana
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea DPR
- Korea Republic
- Mexico
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Poland
- Portugal
- Spain
- Tanzania
- USA
Groups and Draw
FIFA held the group-stage draw in Łódź on 15 May 2026. The 24 teams were divided into six groups of four.
Pot 1: Poland, Japan, Spain, DPR Korea, Brazil, France
Pot 2: USA, Nigeria, Colombia, Mexico, South Korea, England
Pot 3: Ghana, Canada, New Zealand, Argentina, China PR, Costa Rica
Pot 4: Italy, Portugal, Ecuador, Benin, Tanzania, New Caledonia
2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Groups
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| A | Poland, Argentina, Mexico, Benin |
| B | Brazil, Tanzania, Canada, England |
| C | France, Republic of Korea, Ecuador, Ghana |
| D | Japan, New Zealand, the USA, and Italy |
| E | Korea, DPR, Portugal, Costa Rica, Colombia |
| F | New Caledonia, China PR, Spain, Nigeria |
FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 Schedule
The group stage runs from 5 to 13 September. It is followed by the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, third-place match, and final.
Schedule note: Kick-off times below are shown in Poland's local time. Check FIFA's official fixture information for any subsequent changes.
Saturday, 5 September 2026
| Group | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Poland vs Argentina | Arena Katowice | 15:00 |
| B | Brazil vs Tanzania | Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała | 15:00 |
| A | Mexico vs Benin | Arena Katowice | 18:00 |
| B | Canada vs England | Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała | 18:00 |
Sunday, 6 September 2026
| Group | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | France vs Republic of Korea | Arena Sosnowiec | 15:00 |
| D | Japan vs New Zealand | Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź | 15:00 |
| C | Ecuador vs Ghana | Arena Sosnowiec | 18:00 |
| D | USA vs Italy | Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź | 18:00 |
Monday, 7 September 2026
| Group | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | Korea DPR vs Portugal | Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź | 15:00 |
| F | New Caledonia vs China PR | Arena Sosnowiec | 15:00 |
| E | Costa Rica vs Colombia | Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź | 18:00 |
| F | Spain vs Nigeria | Arena Sosnowiec | 18:00 |
Tuesday, 8 September 2026
| Group | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Benin vs Argentina | Arena Katowice | 15:00 |
| B | Brazil vs Canada | Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała | 15:00 |
| A | Poland vs Mexico | Arena Katowice | 18:00 |
| B | England vs Tanzania | Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała | 18:00 |
Wednesday, 9 September 2026
| Group | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Ghana vs Republic of Korea | Arena Sosnowiec | 15:00 |
| D | Italy vs New Zealand | Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź | 15:00 |
| C | France vs Ecuador | Arena Sosnowiec | 18:00 |
| D | Japan vs USA | Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź | 18:00 |
Thursday, 10 September 2026
| Group | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | Korea DPR vs Costa Rica | Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź | 15:00 |
| F | Spain vs New Caledonia | Arena Sosnowiec | 15:00 |
| E | Colombia vs Portugal | Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź | 18:00 |
| F | China PR vs Nigeria | Arena Sosnowiec | 18:00 |
Friday, 11 September 2026
| Group | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | England vs Brazil | Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała | 15:00 |
| B | Tanzania vs Canada | Arena Katowice | 15:00 |
| A | Benin vs Poland | Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała | 18:00 |
| A | Argentina vs Mexico | Arena Katowice | 18:00 |
Saturday, 12 September 2026
| Group | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| D | Italy vs Japan | Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź | 15:00 |
| D | New Zealand vs USA | Arena Sosnowiec | 15:00 |
| C | Ghana vs France | Arena Sosnowiec | 18:00 |
| C | Korea Republic vs Ecuador | Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź | 18:00 |
Sunday, 13 September 2026
| Group | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| F | China PR vs Spain | Arena Sosnowiec | 15:00 |
| F | Nigeria vs New Caledonia | Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź | 15:00 |
| E | Colombia vs Korea DPR | Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź | 18:00 |
| E | Portugal vs Costa Rica | Arena Sosnowiec | 18:00 |
Knockout Stage
The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 16.
| Round | Date |
|---|---|
| Round of 16 | 16-17 September 2026 |
| Quarter-finals | 19-20 September 2026 |
| Semi-finals | 23 September 2026 |
| Third-place match | 26 September 2026 |
| Final | 27 September 2026 |
Defending Champions and Main Contenders
Korea DPR enters Poland 2026 as the defending champion after winning the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Colombia.
Korea DPR has won the competition three times, with previous titles coming in 2006, 2016, and 2024. The team is drawn in Group E alongside Colombia, Costa Rica, and Portugal.
Korea DPR are the defending champion entering Poland 2026.
Other established teams expected to attract attention include the following:
- Japan: Group D with New Zealand, USA, and Italy
- Spain: Group F with Nigeria, China PR and New Caledonia
- France: Group C with South Korea, Ghana and Ecuador
- Brazil: Group B with England, Canada and Tanzania
- USA: Group D with Japan, New Zealand and Italy
Japan, Spain, France, Brazil, and the USA all have strong records in international women's youth football and will be among the teams attracting attention during the tournament.
Debutant Nations and Key Storylines
Six teams will make their first appearance at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in 2026:
- Poland
- Portugal
- Ecuador
- Tanzania
- New Caledonia
- Benin
New Caledonia and Benin are also making their first appearances at a FIFA women's tournament at any age level, adding another historic element to the competition.
Poland will have the advantage of home support in Group A, where the hosts face Argentina, Mexico and Benin.
Another major storyline is the absence of Germany. The three-time champions did not qualify for Poland 2026, creating an opportunity for other European teams to make a stronger impact.
Poland, Portugal, Ecuador, Tanzania, New Caledonia, and Benin are making their tournament debuts.
Tournament Format
The 24 teams are divided into six groups of four. Each team plays three group matches.
The top two teams in each group qualify automatically for the knockout stage. They are joined by the four best third-placed teams.
Knockout qualification:
- 6 group winners
- 6 group runners-up
- 4 best third-placed teams
- Total: 16 teams
From the Round of 16 onward, the competition becomes a single-elimination tournament, leading through the quarter-finals and semi-finals to the third-place match and final.
How to Watch the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026
FIFA provides official tournament information and digital coverage through its platforms, including FIFA+.
Regional broadcasters may also show matches depending on local broadcasting rights. For viewers in Sri Lanka, local television and streaming information should therefore be checked closer to each match.
For the latest fixtures, kick-off times, standings and results, FIFA's official tournament pages remain the best source.
September is also a busy month for women's world championships, with the 2026 Women's Hockey World Cup taking place around the same period.
Historical Context
The competition began in 2002 as the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship, hosted by Canada. FIFA raised the age limit to 20 in 2006 and renamed the tournament the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
The tournament has become an important pathway for young players who later establish themselves in senior international football.
Germany, the USA and Korea DPR have each won the tournament three times. Japan won the title in 2018, Spain claimed the 2022 championship and Korea, DPR, won again in 2024.
For a look back at a previous edition, read our report on how Spain won the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
For another youth world championship, see our coverage of the 2026 Junior World Rugby Championship.
Related Articles
- 2022 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup: Spain Crowned Champions
- 2026 FIFA World Cup: First Round Matches
- 2026 Women's Hockey World Cup Preview
- 2026 Junior World Rugby Championship: South Africa Wins
- 2026 Women's Water Polo World Cup
- 2026 World Lacrosse Women's Championship: Results and Teams
FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 FAQ
When does the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 start?
The tournament starts on 5 September 2026 in Poland.
When is the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 final?
The final is scheduled for 27 September 2026 in Łódź, Poland.
Where is the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 being held?
The tournament is being held in Katowice, Bielsko-Biała, Łódź, and Sosnowiec.
How many teams are competing?
Twenty-four national teams are competing in the 2026 tournament.
Who are the defending champions?
Korea DPR is the defending champion after winning the 2024 tournament in Colombia.
Which teams are making their FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup debut?
Poland, Portugal, Ecuador, Tanzania, New Caledonia, and Benin are making their tournament debuts in 2026.
How many teams qualify for the knockout stage?
Sixteen teams qualify: the six group winners, six runners-up, and the four best third-placed teams.
Is Germany playing in the 2026 tournament?
No. Germany did not qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026.
Final Thoughts
The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 brings together 24 teams for a tournament combining established women's football powers with six debutant nations.
Korea DPR arrives as the defending champion, while Japan, Spain, USA, Brazil, and France are among the established teams expected to challenge for the trophy.
At the same time, Poland, Portugal, Ecuador, Tanzania, New Caledonia, and Benin will be looking to make history in their first appearance at the tournament.
With the group stage beginning on 5 September and the final scheduled for 27 September in Łódź, Poland, 2026 will showcase the next generation of women's football talent.
Last updated: 1 September 2026. Match times, venues and tournament information can be updated by FIFA.