Italy, Spain reach Women’s Under-20 World Cup semi-finals

Italy and Spain became the first teams to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Under-20 World Cup after quarter-final victories in Poland on Saturday, 19 September.

Italy beat South Korea 3-1, while defending champions Spain edged past Brazil 1-0 to set up a semi-final meeting between the two European sides.

Italy took the lead against South Korea in the 16th minute when Karen Appiah found the net. South Korea levelled shortly before half-time through Lee Haeun, who scored in the 43rd minute.

Appiah restored Italy’s advantage three minutes after the restart, before Paola Fadda added a third goal in the 63rd minute.

The result took Italy into the semi-finals of the competition for the first time.

Spain needed only one goal to overcome Brazil in the other quarter-final. Pau Comendador scored in the 27th minute after receiving a cross from Rosalia Dominguez.

Brazil responded with greater attacking pressure after the interval, but Spain protected their lead until the final whistle.

Spain, who are the reigning world champions at this age group, remain on course for another final appearance. Their victory means they will face Italy in the last four.

The remaining quarter-finals will be played on Sunday, with Nigeria meeting Colombia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea facing Canada.