U17 FIFA Women's World Cup provides historic moment for Dominic Republic

Dominican Republic set to shine a light on the future stars of the women's game

When the clock strikes 19:00 on Wednesday 16 October, history will be made in Santiago de los Caballeros. As the Dominican Republic U17s walk out under the guidance of their manager Betzaida Ubri at Estadio Cibao, they will become the first team for their country to host a FIFA World Cup of any kind.

The momentous nature of this occasion cannot be ignored. There has been significant investment in the country's football infrastructure via the FIFA Forward Programme with hopes that hosting a major youth tournament can only enhance their development.

The Dominican Republic are welcoming 15 other nations from across the world - Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; England; Japan; Kenya; Korea DPR; Korea Republic; Mexico; New Zealand; Nigeria; Poland; Spain; USA; and Zambia. All have ambitions to show exactly what they are about on the global stage and to compete for the prestigious trophy in the final on 3 November.

Kenio Gonzalo's Spain are looking to continue their dominance at this level and lift the U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the third time in a row. A win at the European Championships in May has set them up perfectly to succeed this month. Forward Alba Cerrato is one of their undeniable stars. The Seville forward proved her credentials by finishing top scorer at the Euros with seven goals in the tournament and 10 goals across the qualifying stages.

North Korea have also been successful at this level, having won the competition in 2008 and 2016. Their U20 team made the headlines last month when they lifted the U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Colombia, beating Japan 1-0 in the final. Choe II Son was the goalscorer that day and finished as the Golden Ball and Golden Boot winner with six goals for her nation. The 17-year-old striker will be looking to emulate her achievements and lift a second World Cup trophy in as many months. 

After a difficult few years, youth football in the USA is having a resurgence with a fresh crop of exciting, young talent across the board. This is no different for U17s manager Katie Schoepfer who has been able to call on professional players for the first time. Kennedy Fuller (Angel City), Melanie Barcenas (San Diego Wave), Kimmi Ascanio (San Diego Wave) and Ainsley McCammon all come into this tournament with NWSL experience which should prove incredibly valuable for their hopes of success.

England return to the tournament for the first time since 2016 under the guidance of Natalie Henderson. The Young Lionesses qualified as one of the top three European nations alongside Spain and Poland. They made a historic run to the final of the European Championships earlier this summer, catching the eye with a talented crop of players. Arsenal's Laila Harbert captains the side while Lola Brown (Chelsea) was England's star in Sweden and Jane Oboavwoduo (Manchester City) caught the eye at just 14 years old.

One also cannot look past Japan who are a formidable, technical opponent. Nigeria, meanwhile, represent the best of Africa's hopes with forward Harmony Chidi looking like a star in waiting. Korea Republic's Casey Phair is another one to keep an eye on after a meteoric rise in recent years. Last year, she became the youngest player to ever play at a senior World Cup, taking to the field in Australia/New Zealand aged just 16 days and 26 days.

Alongside debutants Dominican Republic, Kenya, Ecuador and Poland make their first appearances at this level, another sign of progress being made in their respective countries.

There are plenty of eye-catching fixtures in the first round of group games. Spain's encounter with the USA promises to be mouthwatering while England will match up against Kenya. The focus for the whole of the Dominican Republic, however, will be fully on the Estadio Cibao. A moment in history that will not be forgotten by the players and staff looking to make their mark on the global stage.