TOKYO (AP) — The United States, defending champion Germany and host Japan will be the leading title contenders at the women’s under-20 World Cup, which kicks off this weekend.
The U.S. won the tournament in 2002 and 2008. The team will be looking to emulate its USA senior national team, which won its third straight gold medal at the London Olympics by beating Japan in the final.
Host nation Japan is aiming to add to the success of the 2011 World Cup win by its women’s team.
Germany is the defending champions, having beaten Nigeria in the final two years ago.
Uzbekistan was originally scheduled to host the Aug. 19-Sept. 8 tournament but FIFA stripped it of hosting rights because of “a number of logistical and technical issues.”
