The draw for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2022™ took place on Thursday 5 May
Sixteen teams drawn into four groups of four
Coaches gave their reactions afterwards
The draw for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2022™ took place on Thursday, with the teams finding out who they will be facing in the group phase of the tournament, which runs from 10 to 28 August.
After watching Costa Rican football legends Shirley Cruz and Paulo Cesar Wanchope decide their teams’ fate, the coaches spoke to FIFA+.
Group A
Costa Rica, Australia, Spain, Brazil
“It’s a tough group, but then every World Cup group is. We want to give Costa Rica the best possible performances at this World Cup but we have to take it step by step. We’ve never won a Women’s World Cup match, so we have to go out and get that first win and take it from there.” Costa Rica coach Jose Catoya
“It’s special to play in Costa Rica and against Costa Rica. It’s the match we’re looking forward to the most. We’ve got players who play abroad, mainly in Spain. We’re trying to play a typically Brazilian game, an attacking game that’s full of joy. If we want to compete at the World Cup, though, we also have to defend well.” Brazil coach Jonas Urias
“It’s a challenging group and it’ll be high on emotion too because we’ll be up against the host nation and their fans. Costa Rica are better prepared than any other team and will be ready for the tournament. Playing Brazil will be a huge test. They’re a superpower and we don’t get to play them that often. Australia will be hosting the next Women’s World Cup and are putting a lot of resources into women’s football, so they’ll also provide stiff opposition too. Our aim, though, is to win every game and make the next round.” Spain coach Pedro Lopez
“We can’t wait to play Costa Rica in the opening match at the Estadio Nacional. It’s going to be an incredible experience. The Costa Ricans have all welcomed us with open arms in our time here, so it’ll be special to come back in August and play in that atmosphere.” Australia coach Leah Blayney
Group B
Germany, Colombia, New Zealand, Mexico
“We’ve got some very interesting opponents. Colombia are a solid side and Mexico are full of confidence. I don’t know too much about New Zealand but we’ll study them.” Germany coach Kathrin Peter
“We’re delighted to be participating in a party like this. It’s important that our players come here and enjoy it. We like to play good football in the South American style and we want to go out and have fun. If, God willing, we can progress in the tournament, then we’ll do it without compromising our philosophy.” Colombia coach Carlos Paniagua
“I hope that we can give more visibility to women’s football in Costa Rica and I hope the fans will turn out in numbers. As for our group, it’s a really interesting one with some very strong teams. It’s going to be tough for us. They’re three good sides, Germany especially.” New Zealand coach Gemma Lewis
Group C
France, Nigeria, Canada, Korea Republic
“It’s a tough group but, then again, they all are. You’ve got 16 top teams and we know that if we want to go all the way in the competition, we need to beat the best. We’re prepared for that, though. We need to make sure the players are all pulling in the same direction and that they’re ready to go the distance at this World Cup.” France coach Sonia Haziraj
“The girls can’t wait to face their opponents. We’ll be coming up against different styles of play, which will be a real challenge for us. We can’t wait to take it on, though.” Canada coach Cindy Tye
“We’re coming to the World Cup to do our best, but also to do our country proud and be the best in the world.” Nigeria coach Christopher Musa
Group D
Japan, The Netherlands, Ghana, USA
“We won the trophy four years ago but we now have a completely different squad. It’s a whole new challenge for me.” Japan coach Futoshi Ikeda
“We’re in a very tough and exciting group. My players see this tournament as one of the best in the world. It’s a really important one for them in terms of picking up experience.” Netherlands coach Jessica Torny
“There are three different types of teams in our group and it will be great to come up against them in an idyllic place like Costa Rica.” USA coach Tracey Kevins
“We’ve got a very difficult group. Football keeps on changing, both in our country and everywhere else, and we know what our opponents are capable of.” Ghana coach Ben Fokuo