Sosnowiec will play a part in one of this year's biggest international sporting events as the city prepares to host matches during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026. Ahead of the tournament, FIFA has opened applications for volunteers who will help support the competition across its four host cities.
The championship will take place from 5 to 27 September, bringing together 24 national under-20 women's teams in Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, Łódź and Sosnowiec. While the focus will be on the action on the pitch, the tournament also relies on a large team of volunteers working behind the scenes.
Applications Now Open
The volunteer programme is open to people aged 18 or over who are eligible to undertake voluntary work in Poland and are available throughout the tournament. Applicants are expected to have a good working knowledge of English, while additional languages may be useful in roles involving international teams and visitors.
Previous volunteering experience is not listed as a requirement.
Supporting the Tournament
Volunteers will assist in a variety of operational areas, including:
- Accreditation
- Media operations
- IT and technical support
- Training venue assistance
- General event services
Assignments will depend on operational needs as well as individual skills and availability.
Experience Beyond Match Days
For many major sporting events, volunteer programmes provide practical experience in event operations and an opportunity to work alongside people from different countries and backgrounds. Participants in the FIFA programme will receive official volunteer clothing, insurance cover for the duration of the tournament and a certificate recognising their involvement.
With visitors expected from around the world, the event also offers another opportunity for Sosnowiec to showcase itself on an international stage as one of Poland's four host cities.
How To Apply
Applications are submitted through FIFA's online volunteer platform, where candidates create an account, complete their profile and indicate their availability for the tournament.
The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup will be the largest football event hosted in Poland in 2026, with Sosnowiec joining three other cities in staging the international competition.
image credit: PZPN