France says it still plans to compete in next month’s Under-20 Women’s World Cup despite UEFA’s threat to boycott FIFA competitions.
England’s participation remains unclear. Asked by BBC Sport whether the team will play in the tournament in Poland, which is due to start in 29 days, the Football Association declined to comment.
UEFA’s 55 member associations voted to boycott FIFA events after president Gianni Infantino proposed selling stakes in competitions to private investors. Although the plan has since been dropped and Infantino has apologized, UEFA said on Thursday the boycott could still proceed. The French Football Federation told BBC Sport its plans are unchanged: “For now, France will be participating in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.”
Six European teams are scheduled to take part: England, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and hosts Poland.
If UEFA’s stance is enforced, women’s football would be the first to feel major effects: – 5 September: Under-20 Women’s World Cup scheduled to begin – October: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland have qualifiers for next summer’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil – October: Under-17 Women’s World Cup set to take place in Morocco – June 2027: If excluded from play-offs due to a boycott, European teams — including defending champions Spain — would be unable to participate in the Women’s World Cup