Falconets Set for Historic 11th U-20 Women’s World Cup Appearance
Nigeria’s Falconets are set to make history at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland as one of only three countries to have played at every edition of the tournament.
According to FIFA, Nigeria, Brazil and the United States are the only nations to have featured in all 11 previous editions of the competition, including the early tournaments played under the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship name.
The Falconets have twice reached the final, finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014. They also reached the semi-finals in 2012.
The Nigerian team are set to leave Abuja on Monday as they begin the final stage of preparations for this year’s tournament.
Head coach Moses Aduku’s side have spent several weeks in camp in Abuja, working on fitness, tactics and team organisation ahead of the competition.
The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will take place in Poland from September 5 to 27. Matches will be played across four cities — Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, Łódź and Sosnowiec.
The Falconets will play two friendly matches in Poland before the tournament begins. They are scheduled to face hosts Poland and Korea Republic.
The matches will give Aduku the chance to test his players against strong opposition and make final decisions ahead of the World Cup.
### Nigeria face tough Group F
Nigeria secured their place in Poland after a difficult African qualifying campaign.
The Falconets defeated Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, edged Senegal 3-2 on aggregate and then overcame Malawi 3-2 on aggregate to book their World Cup ticket.
Nigeria lost 2-1 to Malawi in the second leg in Lilongwe on May 9, but progressed thanks to their 2-0 victory in the first leg in Ikenne.
The qualification also extended Nigeria’s record of appearing at every edition of the competition.
The Falconets were drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia.
Spain will provide Nigeria’s first major test. The European side are one of the strongest teams in women’s youth football and won the 2026 UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship.
Nigeria will face Spain at Arena Sosnowiec on Monday, September 7, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm.
Three days later, the Falconets will take on China PR at the same venue.
Their final group match will be against New Caledonia at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź on September 13.
The friendly against Korea Republic will also attract interest, given Nigeria’s recent meeting with the Asian side.
The Falconets defeated Korea Republic 1-0 at the 2024 U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, with Flourish Sabastine scoring the winning goal.
Nigeria went on to reach the round of 16 before losing to Japan.
With another World Cup campaign now approaching, the Falconets will hope their record of appearing at every edition can be matched by a deep run in Poland.
