FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026: Group F Preview

The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026™ is set to take place from 5 to 27 September, and Group F promises to be one of the most competitive in the tournament. Featuring a recent champion, an ever-present seeking a breakthrough, former finalists aiming to reclaim past glories, and a debutant, the group offers a compelling mix of experience and ambition.

Group F Teams at a Glance

Spain: Defending Champions and Global Powerhouse

Spain enters the tournament as one of the favorites, having recently become the first nation in history to simultaneously hold both the FIFA World Cup™ and FIFA Women's World Cup™ titles. This achievement underscores the remarkable depth of Spanish football. La Rojita, the U-20 side, now aims to continue that dominance by repeating their triumph at Costa Rica 2022.

Under head coach David Aznar, Spain qualified by winning the 2025 UEFA Women's U-19 Championship, defeating France 4-0 in the final at the Stadium Rzeszow in Rzeszow, Poland. Their tournament record is impressive: 24 matches, 16 wins, 2 draws, and 6 defeats, with 44 goals scored and 22 conceded. This will be their sixth appearance, having previously competed in 2004, 2016, 2018, 2022, and 2024.

Nigeria: Ever-Present Seeking First Final

Nigeria is the only team to have appeared in every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, and Poland 2026 marks their 12th appearance. The Falconets have consistently reached the latter stages, with their best finish being fourth place in 2012. They will be eager to go one step further and reach their first final.

Coached by Christopher Danjuma, Nigeria secured their place by defeating Malawi 3-2 on aggregate in May, with a 2-0 victory in the first leg proving decisive. Their overall record in the competition stands at 48 matches, 22 wins, 10 draws, and 16 defeats, scoring 77 goals and conceding 61.

China PR: Returning After Eight-Year Absence

China PR returns to the global stage for the first time since 2018, aiming to recapture the form that saw them reach the final in 2004 and 2006. Their best finishes remain as runners-up in those two editions, and they will look to build on that legacy.

Under coach Colin Bell, China PR earned their spot by defeating Uzbekistan in the quarter-finals of the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup in Thailand. This will be their seventh appearance, with a record of 24 matches, 11 wins, 6 draws, and 7 defeats, scoring 32 goals and conceding 32.

New Caledonia: Historic Debut

New Caledonia makes history as one of the most intriguing teams in the tournament, appearing in their first-ever FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. They qualified by defeating Fiji in the semi-finals of the 2025 OFC U-19 Women's Championship, with Aziliz Naaoutchoue bundling home a free-kick from close range in the 71st minute to secure the historic win.

Coached by Coralie Bretegnier, New Caledonia will face three nations with extensive youth tournament experience, but their debut adds an element of unpredictability to the group.

What to Expect

Group F is set to deliver high-stakes matches, with Spain looking to assert their dominance, Nigeria aiming to convert experience into a first final, China PR seeking to revive past success, and New Caledonia hoping to make a memorable first impression. The group stage will be crucial in determining which teams advance to the knockout rounds, and every match promises to be fiercely contested.