The first day of the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland did not disappoint. With two high-stakes matches played this Saturday at the Sosnowiec Arena, Europe demonstrated its dominance, knocking out the representatives from South America and Asia.
Spain, the defending champion, and the surprising Italian team have already secured their spots in the semifinals. Here’s a recap of what happened on Saturday and what lies ahead to wrap up this electrifying round.
Saturday’s Recap: Tears and Triumphs
Spain 1 – 0 Brazil A single strike was all it took to knock out the Verdeamarela! In an extremely even match, the Spanish national team reaffirmed why it is the defending champion. A stunning goal by Paula Comendador in the 27th minute of the first half was enough to defeat a Brazilian team that had been riding high after eliminating the United States.
Although the South Americans controlled possession in the opening minutes and tried to mount a comeback by bringing in fresh players, La Rojita’s defensive wall proved impenetrable. With this victory, Spain advances to the semifinals for the third time in its history and maintains its perfect record in the tournament.
Italy 3 – 1 South Korea: Europe’s Cinderella continues her fairy tale! Italy was not only playing in its first-ever quarterfinal but has now, against all odds, advanced to the tournament’s semifinals after decisively defeating South Korea.
The star of the match was Karen Appiah Amoakoah, who scored a spectacular brace (16′ and 48′). Although the Asian side managed to temporarily tie the game through Haeun Lee in the 43rd minute, the Azzurrine sealed the victory in the second half with a third goal in the 63rd minute. Italy continues to dream big.
Sunday Preview: Will There Be Any Surprises?
The quarterfinal round will conclude this Sunday, September 20, in Łódź with two closely contested matches:
Colombia vs. Nigeria (6:00 a.m. ET) The Colombians are looking to make history! After spoiling the party for the hosts (Poland), Carlos Paniagua’s squad is looking to avenge their elimination on home soil two years ago and reach the semifinals for the first time in 16 years. But standing in their way are the Nigerians, who are coming off a 3-0 rout of England and will be playing in their ninth-ever quarterfinal.
North Korea vs. Canada (9:30 a.m. ET) A clash of contrasts. North Korea arrives as a well-oiled machine: they’ve racked up 11 consecutive wins in the tournament and haven’t conceded a single goal throughout the 2026 Poland tournament. For its part, Canada (which advanced as the third-place team in its group) is coming in with its foot on the gas, having scored nine goals in its last two games, led by forward Kaylee Hunter. Can the Canadian offense break through the Asian wall?
Both matches of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup this Sunday can be enjoyed on FIFA+ via DAZN.
