South Korea stun France before Women’s U20 World Cup opener ends level

France were forced to come from behind against South Korea as the two sides drew 1-1 in their opening Group C match at the Women’s U20 World Cup.

The match, played at Sosnowiec Arena on Sunday, 6 September 2026, began with an early setback for the French side, who were punished in the 12th minute.

Cho Hye-Young opened the scoring for South Korea after being played through by Han Min-Seo, giving the South Koreans a surprise lead in the first meeting of the group.

France responded strongly to falling behind and restored parity before half-time. N. Traore found the net in the 36th minute, with J. Rouquet providing the assist.

The equaliser ensured the game was level at the interval, but France were unable to complete the comeback despite controlling much of the second half.

The French side enjoyed 63% possession after the break and registered 12 shots in total as they looked for a second goal. South Korea, however, defended their advantage in the scoreline and prevented France from breaking through again.

Neither team could find a decisive finish, leaving the opening Group C fixture tied at 1-1. The result means France and South Korea each take one point from the match while they wait for the outcome of the group’s other opening fixture.

The draw represents a frustrating start for France, who recovered from Cho Hye-Young’s early opener but could not turn their second-half pressure into a winning goal. South Korea will take encouragement from the way they resisted France’s sustained efforts after conceding the equaliser.

The two teams therefore remain level on points at the beginning of the competition, with the final standings in Group C to be shaped by the result of the remaining first-round match.