Katowice, Poland, 4 September (Eurotoday Newspaper) – The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup begins in Poland on Saturday, with around 15,000 spectators expected for the opening matches in Katowice, although FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s attendance remained uncertain on Friday.
Hosts Poland face Argentina on the opening day, while Mexico play tournament debutants Benin in the other Group A fixture in Katowice. The competition runs from 5 to 27 September and brings together 24 national teams.
Why is Infantino’s possible absence attracting attention?
FIFA could not confirm by Friday whether Infantino would attend the opening matches, according to Reuters. His movements are attracting particular scrutiny because the tournament is the first major FIFA competition since a significant governance dispute intensified around the organisation and its president.
The controversy centred on the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which involved plans to transfer commercial rights connected to major FIFA competitions into a subsidiary and bring in outside investors. Infantino abandoned the proposal on 31 July following strong opposition from UEFA and other football stakeholders.
The dispute has continued since then. FIFA this week accused UEFA of conducting a “smear campaign” over the failed proposal, while UEFA has been seeking evidence in US courts as it considers possible legal action in Switzerland.
Against that backdrop, Infantino’s presence or absence in Poland is likely to receive attention beyond the football being played on the pitch.
The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is being staged across Katowice, Bielsko-Biała, Łódź and Sosnowiec. It is Poland’s first major global women’s football tournament and the 12th edition of the competition.
Six countries — Poland, Benin, Ecuador, New Caledonia, Portugal and Tanzania — are making their tournament debuts. Defending champions Korea DPR are seeking a fourth title, a feat the United States could also achieve.
Infantino previously described Poland 2026 as evidence that women’s football “continues to grow at a tremendous pace”. He said the tournament would feature “a great mix of the established elite and emerging challengers”.
FIFA has also introduced a requirement that every team participating in its women’s competitions must have at least one woman serving as either head coach or assistant coach, Reuters reported.
What happens after the opening matches?
The 24 teams are divided into six groups of four. The top two teams from each group, together with the four best third-placed sides,
Comments
4 responses to “Infantino’s Attendance in Doubt as FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Begins in Poland”
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Infantino’s absence from the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland? What a shocker! I mean, who wouldn’t want to miss a thrilling showdown between Poland and Argentina to debate governance issues instead? 😂
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Seems like the FIFA president’s schedule is as clear as a foggy London morning. 🙄 Maybe he’s just taking a sabbatical from, you know, actually showing up for the big events?
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Looks like Infantino might be too busy dodging questions to attend a women’s football match in Poland—who could blame him? 😂 First major tournament since the governance circus, and he’s still deciding if he wants to join the fun or just send a postcard instead!
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Incredible to think the FIFA president might skip the grand debut of women’s football in Poland—what a scandal! 🎭 Perhaps he’s just busy polishing his “World’s Best Boss” mug while the rest of us are here enjoying the beautiful game! ⚽️
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Looks like Infantino’s got a pressing engagement—perhaps a round of golf or a nice chat with his reflection? 🏌️♂️ Who wouldn’t want to miss the chance to watch young women kick a ball while the adults kick around some serious governance issues? 😂
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Infantino’s Attendance in Doubt as FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Begins in Poland
Katowice, Poland, 4 September (Eurotoday Newspaper) – The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup begins in Poland on Saturday, with around 15,000 spectators expected for the opening matches in Katowice, although FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s attendance remained uncertain on Friday.
Hosts Poland face Argentina on the opening day, while Mexico play tournament debutants Benin in the other Group A fixture
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