Poland, Benin Make History as FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 Kicks Off Today
The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 officially gets underway today, Saturday, September 5, with hosts Poland, Benin and four other debutants preparing to make history on the global stage.
The 12th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will run from September 5 to 27, with 24 nations competing across four host cities — Katowice, Bielsko-Biała, Łódź and Sosnowiec.
Poland will become the first team to open a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on home soil after earning its place in the tournament as hosts.
The European nation is also making its debut at the competition.
Joining Poland among the first-time participants are African sides Benin and Tanzania, as well as Ecuador, New Caledonia and Portugal.
FIFA.com confirmed that the six debutants represent a quarter of the 24-team field, highlighting the continued expansion of women’s football worldwide.
Poland are drawn in Group A alongside Argentina, Mexico and debutants Benin.
Their opening fixture against Argentina takes place today in Katowice, while Benin will begin their historic campaign against Mexico.
Brazil, England, Canada and Tanzania make up Group B, while other groups feature former champions and established powers including Spain, Japan, the United States and defending champions Korea DPR.
Nigeria’s Falconets are also among the 24 teams competing in Poland.
The West Africans have been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia and will begin their campaign against Spain on September 7.
Nigeria have remained ever-present at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since the tournament’s inception.
The group stage concludes on September 13, with the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed sides advancing to the Round of 16.
The tournament will culminate with the final in Łódź on September 27, when a new world champion will be crowned.
