Benin, Tanzania and four more nations prepare for U20 Women’s World Cup first appearances

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup begins on 5 September, with Poland facing Argentina in the opening match as six countries prepare to take part in the competition for the first time.

Benin, Tanzania, Ecuador, Italy, Portugal and New Caledonia will all make their debuts at the U-20 Women’s World Cup. Drawn across the six groups, the newcomers will be aiming to make an immediate impression and create a lasting moment in their nations’ football history.

Benin will begin its campaign in Group A against hosts Argentina and Mexico. The Amazons U20 secured their place at the tournament after overcoming Guinea and Egypt during qualification.

Led by Romaine Gandonou and her team-mates, Benin will now have the opportunity to attract attention on the world stage. Their first appearance represents a significant milestone, and the side will be hoping to approach the tournament without fear as it attempts to establish its own place in the competition.

Tanzania will also be making its first appearance at the U-20 Women’s World Cup and is the second African nation to enter the tournament for the first time. However, the Tanzanian players face a demanding Group B schedule.

They will meet Brazil, Canada and England, three teams with previous experience of reaching the second round of the competition. That background gives each of their opponents a notable level of experience as Tanzania prepares for its debut.

Ecuador has been placed in Group C, where it will face Ghana and France. France finished third in 2014 before going on to reach the final in 2016, adding further difficulty to Ecuador’s first campaign at this level.

The remaining three debutants also face challenging assignments, with each drawn alongside a former winner of the competition.

Portugal will compete in Group E, where its most formidable opponent is expected to be Korea DPR. New Caledonia, meanwhile, will face China and Spain, as well as Nigeria’s Super Falconets, who have reached the final twice.

Italy has been drawn in Group D with the United States and Japan. The United States are three-time world champions, while Japan won the tournament in 2018.

For all six debutants, the group stage will provide an opportunity to measure themselves against established teams and experienced opponents. Benin, Tanzania, Ecuador, Italy, Portugal and New Caledonia will each be seeking more than simply participation: they will be trying to turn their first appearance into a defining chapter in their football history.