The draw for the group stages of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016 was made at the Al-Hussein Cultural Centre in central Amman, on the evening of Monday 30 May and overseen by His Highness Prince Ali bin Hussein, the President of the Jordanian Football Association..
Jordan will be in Group A and play their first match against Spain on the opening day of the competition, 30 September. Three other matches will also take place that day, including the tournament’s opening match between New Zealand and Mexico.
Group A: Jordan, Spain, Mexico, New Zealand
Group B: Venezuela, Germany, Cameroon, Canada
Group C: Nigeria, Brazil, England, North Korea
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Ghana, Japan
Jordan will face 2014 runners-up Spain, plus Mexico and New Zealand.
Japan defend their trophy won in Costa Rica two years ago against Ghana, Paraguay and the USA, who have only reached the last four in the first tournament back in 2008.
Canada and Cameroon are grouped with Germany – twice beaten semi-finalists – and Venezuela, who were fourth last time round.
England are in Group C with Brazil, Nigeria and North Korea, the latter having made the last four in all four finals to date.
His Highness Prince Ali bin Hussein said: “This is a dream come true. It has been a long and challenging journey to get here. This tournament will be a milestone for women’s football in the region and the world.”
FIFA Council Member Lydia Nsekera said: “The kingdom of Jordan will witness a magnificent event in the coming months, as FIFA’s flagship U-17 women’s football competition travels to the Middle East for the first time. This momentous event is sure to leave a positive legacy and have a sustainable impact for generations well into the future.
“The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is part of FIFA’s commitment to promote, develop and invest in women’s football, so that the sport and those who play it can grow to reach their full potential in Jordan, across the Middle East, and beyond.”
England’s first match is against North Korea on October 1st at the King Abdullah II International Stadium in Amman. Click here for the full list of fixtures.
