Nigeria to compete against Spain, China at FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s Falconets will compete against former champions Spain and China PR in Group F of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup following a draw held on May 15, 2026, in Łódź, Poland. The Nigerian team was drawn alongside debutants New Caledonia in what is anticipated to be one of the most competitive groups of the expanded 24-team tournament scheduled from September 5 to 27, 2026. The draw took place at the EC1 Cultural Centre, attended by Falconets Head Coach Moses Aduku.

Spain is recognized as one of the strongest teams in women's youth football, while China PR enhances the group's competitive pedigree, testing the Falconets' aspirations of advancing further in the tournament. Nigeria secured its spot in the championship after overcoming Malawi with a 3-2 aggregate score in the final qualifying round, aiming to carry Africa's hopes alongside Ghana, Tanzania, and Benin Republic.

Historically, the Falconets have been a consistent presence in the competition, having reached the final twice, in 2010 and 2014, but lost to Germany both times. Notably, this year marks the first instance that Germany will be absent from the tournament's history. Other African representatives include Ghana, who were drawn in Group C against France, the Republic of Korea, and Ecuador; Tanzania in Group B alongside Brazil, Canada, and England; and Benin Republic, facing hosts Poland, Argentina, and Mexico in Group A.

Defending champions North Korea were drawn into Group E with Portugal, Costa Rica, and Colombia. The tournament will take place across four Polish cities: Łódź, Katowice, Sosnowiec, and Bielsko-Biała, and this edition makes history with six debutant nations, which are Poland, Portugal, New Caledonia, Ecuador, Tanzania, and Benin Republic. Several matches are set to feature repeat fixtures from past tournaments, such as France’s earlier encounter with the Republic of Korea in the group stage of the 2022 Costa Rica tournament, which France won 1-0.

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 represents Poland's first major global women's tournament, hosted in four cities: Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, Lodz, and Sosnowiec.