Poland to host FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

With Club World Cup action occurring in Saudi Arabia, the FIFA Council appointed the hosts of two upcoming youth competitions. Chile will host the FIFA U20 World Cup 2025, while Poland will take charge of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2026.

For Poland, hosting a youth World Cup is an important stepping stone for the nation’s global ambitions. It also aligns with one of the strategic pillars outlined by the Polish Football Association (PZPN) in 2022.

Poland’s pursuit of elevating women’s football

Poland has never participated in a senior FIFA Women’s World Cup. Even when the tournament expanded to 32 teams, Poland faced a difficult European qualifying competition. Norway and Belgium outranked the Eaglesses, with Norway ultimately reaching the 2023 tournament.

The lack of major women’s competitions for Poland led to the revitalisation of the PZPN’s master plan. Popularising and developing women’s football is now a top priority in the country. One way Poland can build towards a more robust future is by hosting youth international competitions.

“Poland is a country with a magnificent football tradition and hosted a memorable edition of the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2019,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “Hosting the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2026 will be a new milestone in Poland’s football history and one that will boost women’s football in the country and across the world.”

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A progressive vision takes shape

Before the U20 Women’s World Cup in 2026, Poland will host the UEFA Women’s U19 Championship in 2025. Back-to-back hosting duties illustrate how the PZPN is following through with its commitment to women’s football.

The 2022/26 strategy document presents four pillars of focus: participation, professionalisation, visibility and image, and education and awareness. We commented on the strategy earlier this year, with writer Wojciech Nowakowski calling it a clear way for “the public to hold the governing board accountable for the progress of developing women’s football.”

Now, the successful bids for the 2025 and 2026 tournaments show the PZPN’s ambition and aspirations in motion. As these imminent events take center stage, all eyes will shift toward the on-field performance and advancement of Poland’s women’s football programs.

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