Costa Rica and Colombia level at half-time in U20 Women’s World Cup opener

Costa Rica and Colombia are level at 1-1 at half-time in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Monday, 7 September.

The two sides produced an entertaining and intense first 45 minutes, with both teams finding the net before the interval.

Costa Rica made the quicker start and caught Colombia cold in the sixth minute. Sheika Scott opened the scoring after being set up by S. Pitty, giving the Costa Ricans an early advantage in the first match of the tournament’s opening day.

Colombia responded strongly to falling behind and gradually took control of the contest. Their greater share of possession helped them apply sustained pressure, with the South American side holding 55% of the ball during the first half.

That pressure eventually brought a reward in the 26th minute. Fernanda Viafara restored parity from the penalty spot after Briceno committed a foul inside the area, bringing Colombia back into a match that had begun with Costa Rica in front.

The equaliser ensured the teams went into the break on level terms after a lively opening period. Costa Rica’s fast start was matched by Colombia’s reaction, leaving little to separate the two sides after 45 minutes.

Both teams will now restart with the opportunity to claim all three points. The second half remains difficult to predict, with Costa Rica having shown its threat on the break and Colombia demonstrating its ability to dictate possession and recover from an early setback.

The match is the first-day encounter between the two selections at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. With the score tied at 1-1, the contest is finely balanced ahead of the remaining 45 minutes.