Soccer: Ferns' Cup draw set

The Football Ferns will play Japan in their first game of next year's World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand have been drawn with Japan, Mexico and England to form Group B for next year's women's soccer World Cup in Germany.

This morning's draw (NZt) conducted in Frankfurt, Germany, also determined the Football Ferns will play the group's opening match against the Japan when the 16-team finals, to be held from June 26-July 17, kicks off.

Germany, Canada, Nigeria and France were drawn in Group A, world Number one the United States head Group C with North Korea, Colombia and Sweden for company while Australia's Matildas are in Group D with Brazil, first time finalists Equatorial Guinea and Norway.

- NZPA