Italy face Spain in Women’s U20 World Cup semi-final for historic final place

Italy and Spain meet in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s U20 World Cup in Poland on Wednesday, with both sides seeking a place in the tournament final.

Kick-off is scheduled for 13:00 GMT at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łodz. Spain will start the match as the more experienced side at this stage, while Italy are appearing in the last four for the first time in the competition.

Spain have won all five of their matches so far and have scored 19 goals while conceding only once. Their latest victories came against Portugal in the last 16, where they won 2-0, and Brazil in the quarter-finals, where Pau Comendador scored the only goal of the game.

Comendador now leads the tournament’s scoring charts with five goals. Spain’s defensive record has been equally impressive, with the team having allowed just one goal throughout the competition.

Italy returned to the Women’s U20 World Cup after a 14-year absence and have reached the semi-finals for the first time. Their progress began with a dramatic last-16 victory over China, who they defeated 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

The Azzurrine then produced their most convincing result of the tournament in the quarter-finals, beating the Republic of Korea 3-1. Karen Appiah scored twice in that match, while Paola Fadda added Italy’s third goal.

The semi-final therefore brings together a Spain side accustomed to competing in the latter stages and an Italy team enjoying an unprecedented run. Spain have reached the last four in three of the past four editions and won the Women’s U20 World Cup in 2022.

Italy, meanwhile, are attempting to extend their historic campaign in Poland and move within one victory of the title. The winners of Wednesday’s match will face either the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or Colombia in the final.