world cup qualifiers schedule

What Happened

The latest developments in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers have seen Nigeria and Ghana secure their spots in the final round, while Zambia prepares for its upcoming match against Rwanda. Nigeria triumphed over Senegal with a 2-1 victory, following a 1-0 win in the first leg, thus advancing to the final round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. Ghana also progressed after a tense match against South Africa, where Priscilla Mensah’s second-half goal secured a 2-2 aggregate draw, allowing them to move forward.

Why It Matters

These victories are significant for both Nigeria and Ghana as they aim to solidify their positions in women’s football on the global stage. Nigeria has a strong history in the tournament, having reached the finals twice in their previous eleven appearances. Ghana seeks to maintain its streak, aiming for an eighth consecutive appearance in the biennial tournament. Meanwhile, Zambia’s preparations highlight the growing competitiveness in women’s football across Africa, as they gear up for their first-round match against Rwanda.

What’s Next

Nigeria will look ahead to the final qualifying round scheduled for May 2026, while Ghana aims to finalize their preparations for the tournament in Poland, set to take place in September. Zambia will face Rwanda in the first leg of their qualifier between April 10-12, with the return fixture scheduled for the following week. The winners will advance to face either DR Congo or Djibouti in the next round.