KEY POINTS:
New Zealand drew Denmark and South American champions Colombia for the inaugural Fifa under-17 women's soccer World Cup which will be hosted in New Zealand this year.
However they will have to wait to find out their first opponents.
As hosts and top seeds in group A, New Zealand avoided heavyweights Germany and Brazil along with the yet-to-be-determined top qualifier from Concacaf (North and Central America).
But they still face daunting tests against top European and South American powers.
However, a touch of mystery remains about their - and the tournament's - opening encounter with the second-placed North American qualifier rounding out the group.
The US are among the favourites for the October 28-November 16 tournament, leaving Canada or Mexico looking the most likely to to line up against Paul Temple's Young Football Ferns at North Harbour Stadium on the opening night.
"We wait with bated breath," Temple said about July's qualifying series. "It [Concacaf] is a traditionally a very strong region in women's football so whoever comes out of July's qualifying will be tough"
Highlighting Denmark as the early favourites in a "tough but exciting" pool, Temple said footballing cultures in the tournament offered plenty for fans.
"There's a variety of footballing styles - European, South American and North American - so it's very exciting for us and the football public.
"Denmark are always strong but Colombia topped their qualifying group ahead of Argentina and Brazil so they shouldn't be underestimated."
Te Papa rolled out the red carpet for dignitaries including Fifa delegates and Governor-General Anand Satyanand.
Wellington will host group D teams Brazil, England, Korea Republic and Africa's top qualifier for each of their first two games, while Christchurch will host Germany and North Korea from group B.
If the US tops North American qualifiers, they will be hosted in Hamilton along with Japan, France, and Paraguay for group C games.
* CUP DRAW
Fifa Under 17 women's World Cup
Oct 28-Nov 16
Group A: New Zealand, Concacaf A, Denmark, Colombia
Group B: Concacaf B, Germany, Korea DPR, Africa 2
Group C: Japan: Concacaf 1, France, Paraguay
Group D: Brazil, England, Korea, Africa 1
- NZPA
