The Tri Nations Series between the U-20 Women’s teams from Papua New Guinea, Japan and USA kicks off on 24 May, with Papua New Guinea playing the opening match against Japan at the Sir John Guise stadium in Port Moresby. The strength of these three participating nations in the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will be tested as they battle it out in the three-day series.

Papua New Guinea will go into the event as the underdogs and the least experienced women’s team whose direct qualification into the eighth edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup comes as the host nation for the tournament. The three nations, who are all in different groups, will have the chance to play against each other as they continue their preparations for the tournament.

In the opening match of the series on 24 May, Papua New Guinea will take on Japan, with the latter facing USA in the second match on 27 May. The final match of the series will be between Papua New Guinea and USA on the 30 May.

“Papua New Guinea will get a feel of what it will be like to host a prestigious tournament like the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in November when it hosts Japan and USA. The series also presents us with the opportunity to test the operational aspects of our planning”, said Seamus Marten, the Chief Executive Officer of the Local Organising Committee.

“The games will be a challenge for us as we take on two very experienced sides. We are excited about the opportunity to grow from these games and about taking on this level of opponents as we prepare for the World Cup. These games provide us the opportunity to understand, play against and see the level we will need to reach in order to compete in the World Cup. It will be a good first test for the team. At this point in our preparation it is all about gaining experience and improving,” said Lisa Cole the Head Coach of the PNG U-20 Women’s team.