WARSAW: A Women’s U20 World Cup boycott threat remained unresolved on Aug. 15, three weeks before the tournament begins in Poland, although the Polish Football Association said preparations remained on schedule.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and its 55 member associations said on July 30 that their national teams would not enter FIFA competitions.
While a plan to sell stakes in tournaments to private investors remained active. UEFA also demanded binding assurances against future private ownership, according to its official statement.
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) withdrew the proposal two days later. UEFA welcomed the decision.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s leadership had lost the confidence of many, and rebuilding trust had only just begun. The Polish Football Association said it had received no formal withdrawal notice from any participant.
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France and New Zealand confirmed their teams would attend, while England’s Football Association had not publicly clarified its position as of Aug. 11, The Independent reported.
The Women’s U20 World Cup boycott gained public support from England defender Lucy Bronze. “If that means boycotting competitions, then that has to happen,” Bronze said.
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New Zealand Football subsequently withdrew its support for Infantino but remained set to compete, ESPN reported.
The 24-team FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 is scheduled for Sept. 5–27 in Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, Łódź and Sosnowiec.
England will face Brazil, Canada and Tanzania in Group B. FIFA lists the final at ŁKS Stadium in Łódź on Sept. 27.
