France to Compete in U20 Women's World Cup Amid UEFA Tensions
WHO:
AOL.com - Lucy Bronze, a two-time European champion with England, commented on the potential UEFA boycott, stating, "I think the players who play in those competitions, the European players, we stand by our beliefs and what the right thing is for our game."
AOL.com - Baroness Campbell, former Football Association director of women's football, described the situation as "tragic" for women's football.
Goal.com - The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed its participation.
AOL.com - Paris FC's Maeline Mendy captained the France Under-19 side.
WHAT:
AOL.com - The English FA has sent a letter withdrawing its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Goal.com - France intends to compete in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
AOL.com - UEFA has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions.
AOL.com - Six European teams, including France, are scheduled to play in the tournament.
WHERE:
Goal.com - The Under-20 Women’s World Cup will take place in Poland.
WHEN:
AOL.com - The Under-20 Women’s World Cup is due to start in 29 days from the article's publication date.
AOL.com - The Under-20 Women’s World Cup is due to start on 5 September.
AOL.com - Qualifiers for the Women's World Cup in Brazil are scheduled for October.
AOL.com - The Under-17 Women's World Cup is scheduled to take place in Morocco in October.
AOL.com - The Women's World Cup is set for June 2027.
WHY:
AOL.com - UEFA's potential boycott stems from a fallout over FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s controversial commercial proposals, which have since been aborted.
AOL.com - UEFA's potential boycott stems from a fallout over FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s controversial commercial proposals.
AOL.com - Infantino apologized for his "errors" regarding the proposals.
HOW:
AOL.com - UEFA stated that the boycott could still go ahead despite the FFF's confirmation of participation.
Goal.com - The FFF issued a statement confirming their travel plans: "For now, France will be participating to the Fifa U20 Women World Cup."
AOL.com - UEFA's member associations voted to boycott all FIFA competitions until Infantino's proposals were dropped.
(UPDATED August 8, 2026 07:46 UTC)
The English FA has officially withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a move that has sparked significant reactions within the football community. Lucy Bronze, a two-time European champion with England, expressed solidarity among players regarding a potential UEFA boycott, emphasizing their commitment to what they believe is right for the game. Meanwhile, Baroness Campbell, the former Football Association director of women's football, described the situation as "tragic" for the future of women's football, as the Under-20 Women’s World Cup is set to kick off in just 29 days.
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(UPDATED August 8, 2026 03:03 UTC)
The French Football Federation has confirmed its participation in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup, which is set to take place in Poland starting on September 5. Paris FC's Maeline Mendy will captain the France Under-19 side, as six European teams, including France, are scheduled to compete in the tournament. Meanwhile, UEFA has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions due to controversial commercial proposals from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has since apologized for his "errors."