The Official Draw for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup has taken place at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, with the pick of the sections pairing France with USA and Japan with Nigeria. Nigeria placed 2nd in 2010 and 2014.
Hosts Papua New Guinea, meanwhile, face a series of intriguing challenges against Brazil, Sweden and Korea DPR in Group A. They will contest the tournament’s opening match against Brazil on 13 November.
“The U-20 Women’s World Cup is a great event,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. “I’ve been to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and it was a great experience. I can tell you the weather will be beautiful. What will be even more beautiful is that Papua New Guinea will greet the world and the world will discover Papua New Guinea. I’m sure Papua New Guinea will excel and I’m sure the 16 teams will as well on the pitch.“
Germany is current world champions after they beat Nigeria by a lone goal after extra time at the last tournament hosted by Canada in 2014. Ghana and Nigeria represented Africa at that event and both nations will again fly the African flag at the 2016 finals in Papua New Guinea.
16 of the best women’s youth teams in the world will play at the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea, one of the most diverse places on the planet characterized by the variety of culture, scenery, and activities within it. The tournament kicks off November 13 – December 3, 2016. Below are the full draw of participating teams:
FIFA Women’s World Cup pairings
Group A
Papua New Guinea
Brazil
Sweden
Korea DPR
Group B
Spain
Canada
Japan
Nigeria
Group C
France
USA
Ghana
New Zealand
Group D
Germany
Venezuela
Mexico
Korea Republic
Source: FIFA.com
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
