Nigeria’s Falconets have been drawn in a challenging Group F alongside former champions Spain, China PR and debutants New Caledonia for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The draw for the 12th edition of the tournament was held on Thursday in Lodz, Poland, ahead of the competition scheduled to take place from September 5 to 27 across four host cities — Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, Lodz and Sosnowiec.
The Falconets, one of Africa’s most successful teams at the tournament, will face a stern test against 2022 champions Spain in the group stage. China PR also brings considerable experience to the competition, while New Caledonia will be making their debut appearance at the global finals.
Nigeria will be aiming to surpass their performance from the previous edition and revive memories of their best-ever finishes after reaching the final in 2010 and 2014.
Hosts Poland headline Group A alongside Mexico, Argentina and Benin, while defending champions Korea DPR begin their title defence in Group E against Colombia, Costa Rica and Portugal.
Six countries — Benin, Ecuador, New Caledonia, Poland, Portugal and Tanzania — will make their debut appearances at the tournament. Meanwhile, Korea DPR and the United States will both be chasing a record fourth title.
Other notable group-stage fixtures include Brazil, England, Canada and Tanzania in Group B, while France, Korea Republic, Ghana and Ecuador make up Group C. Group D features former champions Japan and the USA alongside New Zealand and Italy.
Full Group Draw
Group A: Poland, Mexico, Argentina, Benin
Group B: Brazil, England, Canada, Tanzania
Group C: France, Korea Republic, Ghana, Ecuador
Group D: Japan, USA, New Zealand, Italy
Group E: Korea DPR, Colombia, Costa Rica, Portugal
Group F: Spain, Nigeria, China PR, New Caledonia
