New Zealand and New Caledonia have discovered their group stage opponents for FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ in Poland following the tournament draw in Lodz earlier this morning.
New Zealand have been drawn into Group D alongside Japan, USA, and Italy, whilst New Caledonia have been placed into Group F alongside Spain, Nigeria, and China PR.
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ is the 12th edition of the tournament, and runs from 5-27 September across four venues in Poland. New Zealand and New Caledonia both qualified as finalists of OFC U-19 Women’s Chammpionship 2025 in Tahiti last year – the Junior Football Ferns winning their ninth continental title with a 3-0 victory.
New Zealand are making their tenth appearance at the tournament, and have been handed a difficult draw alongside three-time former champions USA, 2018 winners Japan, and an Italian side making their first appearance since 2012. The Junior Football Ferns will be looking to record their first win at the competition since 2016, and progress past the group stage for the first time since 2014 – 12 years ago.
Meanwhile, New Caledonia are making history by appearing in a FIFA women’s competition for the first time. They have also been given a tough draw alongside 2022 champions Spain, and former finalists Nigeria and China PR.
Match Schedule
For the full FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ draw click HERE