Nigeria’s Falconets lost their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup opening match to Spain by 2-0 in the Group F opener in Poland on Monday.

Spain, who won the competition in 2022, controlled much of the encounter at the Arena Sosnowiec and took the lead in the 13th minute through Marisa García.

The goal came after Noemí Bejarano worked her way down the flank before sending a low ball into the box, with García finishing to put Spain ahead.

Nigeria struggled to create clear chances in the first half and had to wait until the 37th minute for their first attempt, with Kafayat Mafisere shooting wide from distance.

The Falconets returned from the break with greater attacking intent, with Precious Oscar and Victory Lucky introduced as Nigeria sought an equaliser.

However, Spain remained dangerous, and goalkeeper Laia López kept out Nigeria’s attempts as the European side maintained its advantage.

FIFA says Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election in 2027.

If re-elected, the 56-year-old Swiss would remain FIFA president until 2031.

Infantino, who has served as FIFA president since 2016, has faced growing pressure following his controversial proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms.

The plan triggered widespread criticism across the football community, with UEFA threatening to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, in opposition to the proposal.“Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election,” FIFA said in a statement.

The confirmation comes after Infantino declined to answer questions about his political future when questioned by reporters at the Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday.

FIFA has accused UEFA of launching a “smear campaign” against the organisation and its president, Gianni Infantino, in a sharp escalation of their dispute over a now-abandoned plan to sell a stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights.

In court filings submitted in the United States, FIFA described UEFA’s recent legal applications as “little more than press releases” designed to damage its leadership. UEFA had sought court orders in New York, Florida and Colorado for the disclosure of documents and testimony related to the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which it said could support potential criminal proceedings in Switzerland.

The FFE plan, which aimed to sell around a 20% stake for approximately $4.2 billion to private investors, was withdrawn at the end of July after widespread opposition from UEFA and other confederations. UEFA has alleged mismanagement and questioned the valuation promoted by Infantino.

FIFA countered that the scheme was only a proposal that required democratic approval from member associations and the FIFA Council. It accused UEFA of refusing to engage in that process and instead pursuing a weeks-long public campaign against FIFA and its president.