This morning (NZT) at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup draw at the Teatro Nacional in San José, Costa Rica, the Junior Football Ferns were drawn in Group B alongside Germany, Colombia and Mexico.

New Zealand’s first game will be against Mexico on 10 August.

Head coach Gemma Lewis, who is in Costa Rica for the draw, is pleased to have her side’s group opponents confirmed.

“Now we know who we’ll be up against in the group stage, our preparations can really get started. Germany, Colombia and Mexico each offer unique challenges, and we’re looking forward to taking them on in August.”

The FIFA U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup 2022 will be New Zealand’s eighth appearance since first qualifying for the 2006 edition. Their best finish was in 2014, when they reached the quarter-finals.

The 16-team FIFA U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup 2022 will take place from 10-28 August 2022 in Costa Rica. It is currently held by Japan. The 2020 edition of the tournament was cancelled due to the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Match schedule

V Mexico – Thursday 11 August, 8am NZT / Wednesday 10 August, 2pm local time

V Germany – Sunday 14 August, 5am NZT / Saturday 13 August, 11am local time

V Colombia – Wednesday 17 August, 11am NZT / Tuesday 16 August, 5pm local time

Article added: Friday 06 May 2022