2014 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup was the fourth edition of the youth tournament for women under the age of 17. It was held in Costa Rica from 15 March to 4 April. Japan beat Spain 2-0 in the final.
The slot allocation was approved by the FIFA Executive Committee in May 2012.[1][2] The Oceania Football Confederation qualifying tournament was scheduled for January 2014, FIFA however decided that it would be hosted too late then. Eventually FIFA and OFC in agreement with all member nations agreed to award the confederation spot to New Zealand. Just as New Zealand, Nigeria qualified without playing a match because two opponents withdrew their respective qualifying games. Defending champions France did not qualify.
In total 103 nations took part in the qualifying, three less than for the 2012 World Cup.[3]
Four stadiums are to be used across Costa Rica.[6]
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