The 2026 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship is set to deliver thrilling youth football action as Europe’s top young talents compete for continental glory. Hosted in Northern Ireland, the tournament will take place from May 4 to May 17, 2026, featuring eight elite national teams. Organized by UEFA, this prestigious competition also serves as a key qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
This 17th edition promises intense competition, rising stars, and high-quality football across three venues in three host cities.
🏆 Tournament Overview
- Host Country: Northern Ireland
- Dates: May 4 – May 17, 2026
- Teams: 8
- Venues: 3 stadiums in 3 cities
- Eligible Players: Born on or after January 1, 2009
Notably, the defending champions Netherlands will not feature in this edition after failing to qualify, ensuring a fresh battle for the title.
📅 Group Stage Schedule (All times BST – UTC+1)
🔵 Group A Fixtures
Teams: Northern Ireland (Hosts), Germany, Norway, England
- May 4, 2026
- Northern Ireland vs England – 16:00
- Norway vs Germany – 19:00
- May 7, 2026
- Germany vs England – 16:00
- Northern Ireland vs Norway – 19:00
- May 10, 2026
- England vs Norway – 16:00
- Germany vs Northern Ireland – 16:00
Top two teams qualify for the semi-finals, while the third-placed team enters a World Cup qualification play-off.
🔴 Group B Fixtures
Teams: France, Finland, Spain, Poland
- May 5, 2026
- France vs Poland – 16:00
- Spain vs Finland – 19:00
- May 8, 2026
- France vs Spain – 16:00
- Finland vs Poland – 19:00
- May 11, 2026
- Finland vs France – 16:00
- Poland vs Spain – 16:00
Similar to Group A, the top two teams advance, while third place gets another chance via play-off.
⚔️ Play-Off Match
- May 14, 2026 – 17:00
- Group A 3rd vs Group B 3rd
- Venue: Inver Park, Larne
The winner secures a place in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
🧩 Knockout Stage & Bracket
The knockout phase will take place at Windsor Park, Belfast.
Semi-Finals – May 14, 2026
- Group A Winner vs Group B Runner-up
- Group B Winner vs Group A Runner-up
Final – May 17, 2026
- Semi-final winners compete for the championship title at 19:00
Note: All knockout matches will go directly to penalty shootouts if tied—no extra time will be played.
⭐ Teams to Watch
This year’s lineup includes traditional European powerhouses like Germany, Spain, and France, alongside emerging talents from Finland and hosts Northern Ireland. With World Cup qualification on the line, every match carries significant importance.
🔍 Final Thoughts
The 2026 UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship is more than just a youth tournament—it’s a platform for the next generation of football stars. With a compact format, competitive groups, and high-stakes knockout rounds, fans can expect non-stop excitement from start to finish. Keep an eye on this tournament as it shapes the future of women’s football in Europe.