FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: The Penultimate Step Toward Poland

The 3rd round of the African qualifiers will be played from 6 to 14 February 2026• Several major matchups are drawing attention: Nigeria vs Senegal, Ghana vs South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire vs DR Congo, Kenya vs Tanzania, Zambia vs Uganda
• At the end of this round, 16 teams will advance to the 4th and final round in May.

The road to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 — scheduled from 5 to 27 September 2026 — reaches a first decisive turning point for African national teams. With the 3rd qualifying round, played over two legs from 6 to 14 February the stakes are high.

Some fixtures naturally command the spotlight. Nigeria vs Senegal pits a continental reference in youth categories against a Senegalese side now well accustomed to high-intensity encounters. Ghana vs South Africa shapes up as a tactical duel between two well-structured nations, while Côte d’Ivoire vs DR Congo promises a hard-fought, physical contest that could remain undecided until the final whistle. In regional derbies — Kenya vs Tanzania, Zambia vs Uganda it remains highly unpredictable.

Advantages gained in the first leg will need to be confirmed, while evenly poised ties will test nerves to the limit.

At the conclusion of this third round, sixteen teams will qualify for the 4th and final round of the qualifiers. One last filter before the World Cup, where four teams will represent Africa on the global stage.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

3rd Round – Match Schedule
Kick-off times in GMT