The cream of young football talent will converge on Port Moresby for the premier sporting event on the globe.
PNG Football Association president David Chung is confident that the country will deliver the best U-20 women’s football tournament possible.
With the backing of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko, the country is set to host the November event in Port Moresby.
Chung said the Government had allocated K10 million through the 2016 national budget, while an additional K11m was from an earlier State commitment.
“Given this level of support, the country is excited about hosting the World Cup tournament,” Chung said.
As host, it is an historic occasion for PNG as it debuts in the FIFA-sanctioned tournament.
The local organising committee has started work to ensure the necessary logistics are ready before the event.
Committee executive director Seamus Marten thanked the Government and Tkatchenko for making it possible for the country to host the event.
He was particularly impressed with Tkatchenko’s drive to have visiting UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham meet with members of the PNG U-20 women’s team in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands recently.
“The minister deserves a pat on the back for his initiative in arranging the meeting with Beckham,” he said.
Chung said national women’s coach Lisa Cole would arrive on Nov 23 to start preparations with the squad, which will include several international friendly matches.
With a year to go, PNGFA is adamant the Government will fast-track the availability of funds to build 16 training venues for the visiting teams.
The 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup was originally scheduled for South Africa, but after it withdrew as hosts the tournament was awarded to PNG in March.
Some of the teams for the tournament are already confirmed.
Joining hosts Papua New Guinea will be Japan, Korea Republic and Korea DPR from Asia, European qualifiers France, Germany, Spain and Sweden, and Oceania qualifier New Zealand.
There are still seven spots up for grabs.
Up to four stadiums in Papua New Guinea may be utilised for the World Cup tournament.