World Cup - U20 - Women 2026/27

The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup serves as a premier international youth football tournament for female players under the age of 20, organized by FIFA. Initially founded in 2002 as the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship, the event underwent significant changes to its structure and nomenclature. By 2006, the age limit was raised to 20, and the title shifted to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship before adopting its current name in 2008.

The tournament operates on a biennial schedule within even-numbered years, providing a critical development pathway between the U-17 level and senior international competition. A major structural change occurred with the 2024 edition held in Colombia, where the field expanded from 16 to 24 teams. This new format divides participants into six groups of four. Progression involves the top two teams from each group alongside the four best third-placed teams advancing to a Round of 16 knockout stage, followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final.

Qualification relies on performance within respective continental confederations: AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, and UEFA, with automatic qualification for the host nation(s). Eligibility mandates that players must be under 20 years old at the start of the calendar year in which the tournament takes place. Historically, Germany, North Korea, and the United States stand out as the most successful nations, each securing three titles. Germany claimed victories in 2004, 2010, and 2014. North Korea won in 2006, 2016, and 2024. The United States secured their three championships in 2002, 2008, and 2012. North Korea entered the current cycle as the reigning champion following their 2024 success.

The competition functions independently of domestic league pyramids, lacking a promotion or relegation system. It remains distinct from the U-17 World Cup and the senior Women's World Cup, focusing specifically on this age category. Notable individual achievements include Christine Sinclair of Canada, who scored 10 goals in the inaugural 2002 tournament. Additionally, the 2014 semi-final between Nigeria and North Korea, ending 6–2, stands as the highest-scoring match in the tournament’s semi-final history.