Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Rennes: 2016 winners DPR Korea will face the champions of both South America and CONCACAF, while Japan drew two-time winners USA, as the 16 finalists learned their opponents for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France.
The top three teams at the 2017 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship – DPR Korea, Japan and China PR – were each drawn alongside a challenging set of opponents at the ceremony, with the August tournament promising several exciting fixtures.
Reigning U-20 world champions DPR Korea will begin their campaign against England, before facing Brazil and Mexico, who both won their respective confederations’ qualifying tournaments.
AFC U-19 Women’s champions Japan drew 2008 and 2012 winners the United States as well as Spain and Paraguay, while China PR will meet three-time winners Germany, 2014 finalists Nigeria and first-time qualifiers Haiti in Group D.
Asian teams have enjoyed a rich history at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. DPR Korea won the title in Papua New Guinea in 2016, a decade after lifting the trophy in Russia in 2006, and at least one Asian team has reached the final four in the last seven editions of the global championship.
The tournament will begin with host nation France to meet Ghana in Vannes on August 5 with the final to be held in the same city 19 days later.
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup – Draw Results
GROUP A: France, Ghana, New Zealand, Netherlands
GROUP B: DPR Korea, England, Mexico, Brazil
GROUP C: USA, Japan, Paraguay, Spain
GROUP D: Haiti, China, Nigeria, Germany
Photo: FIFA