Recess is over in Poland! This Wednesday, September 16, the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup kicks off. Only 16 teams remain in the tournament, and the matchups fate has in store are sure to be a spectacle—with our Latin American and Iberian representatives ready to make their mark.
Here, we break down the matchups that will shake the world and tell you which channels to tune in to for the soccer spectacle in the United States.
An early final! Brazil vs. United States (10:00 a.m. ET)
If you blink, you’ll miss it. This is undeniably the most thrilling matchup of the Round of 16. The Verdeamarela are unstoppable, boasting a perfect group stage and with their star players, Evelin and Clarinha, on fire and ready to take on the three-time world champions.
Why are they facing off so early? Because the U.S. barely managed to advance as the third-place team in its group after being dominated by Italy and Japan. That said, the Stars and Stripes woke up with a 9-0 rout of New Zealand. As their captain, Kennedy Fuller, warned: “It doesn’t matter how you start, but how you finish.” We’ll see if Brazil’s “jogo bonito” or the Americans’ wounded pride will set the tone.
Argentina vs. South Korea (10:00 a.m. ET)
The Albiceleste are coming in with a knife between their teeth and morale through the roof. After a shaky start, the Argentines crushed Benin 8-0 and pulled off an epic 3-2 comeback victory over Mexico. Led by Annika Paz, the tournament’s current leading scorer, the South Americans are aiming for something unprecedented: advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time in the competition’s history.
“We want to keep making history,” declared coach Christian Meloni. They’ll face a South Korean team that miraculously advanced with a negative goal difference (-1) but is coming off a victory over Ecuador. If Argentina plays cohesively, the ticket to the next round will have a Buenos Aires accent.
The Iberian Classic! Spain vs. Portugal (12:30 p.m. ET)
A true steamroller—that’s how Spain’s run can be summed up. The defending 2022 champions showed no mercy in the group stage: they won all three of their matches, scored a staggering 16 goals, and conceded just one. Now they face their neighbors in an Iberian Derby that promises to be explosive. Portugal is making its debut in the knockout stage and insists it isn’t afraid of the champions, but they’ll have to pray to every saint they know to stop the Red Fury.
Italy vs. China
(12:30 p.m. ET) Italy delivered the biggest upset of the tournament. After a 14-year absence, the Europeans returned to humiliate the United States in their debut and stride confidently into this stage. They’ll look to keep their dreams alive against a Chinese team that struggled to qualify but knows how to make things messy.
Where to watch in the U.S.?
Where to watch in the U.S.?
Get your snacks and remote ready, because all the action from the U-20 World Cup Round of 16 this Wednesday, September 16, will be available nationwide:
- In Spanish: Telemundo and Universo will provide the broadcast, full of passion and flair. You can also stream all the matches live via the Peacock platform.
- In English: If you prefer English commentary, tune in to FOX Sports (via FS2 and Fox Soccer Plus) or download the FOX Sports App to watch the matches on your phone.
