India is set to host the U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2020, as per the announcement made by International Football Federation (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino at the FIFA Council Meeting in Miami, USA. After the Men’s World Cup in 2017, this would be the second FIFA tournament India will be hosting.
All India Football Federation General Secretary Kushal Das confirmed the development and was hopeful that the tournament would raise the profile of women’s football in the country. Apart from India, France had also expressed interest to host the tournament, and the bidding process for the tournament started accordingly last year. The venues to host the mega event will be decided soon and as of now, there are four-five venues which needs to be finalized. India is privileged as they qualify directly for the 16-team showpiece event being the host nation. And the six continental qualifying tournaments will commence soon. India had also expressed interest in hosting the U-20 Women’s World Cup, besides the U-17 Women’s World Cup. New Zealand hosted the U-17 women’s tournament when it began in 2008. Having beaten Mexico 2-1 in the final in Uruguay, Spain will be participating in the seventh edition in India as the defending champions. Hopefully, the tournament would provide impetus to the development of women’s football.
