Korea sealed their spot into the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after edging 10-man Ecuador 3-2 in their Group C fixture on Saturday.
The win saw Korea finish second on four points behind group winners France, with Ecuador third on three points and facing an anxious wait to see if they will progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
Korea came into the tie needing a win after picking up just one point from their opening two matches, having drawn 1-1 with France before suffering a 3-1 defeat against Ghana.
Ecuador, meanwhile, had three points following their opening 3-0 victory over Ghana, following their 3-2 defeat to France in their opener.
Lee Hae-un rifled Korea in front in the 22nd minute, finishing clinically after being played in on goal by Han Min-seo.
Ecuador fought their way back into the contest in the 57th minute when Dariana Moran chested the ball home from close range after goalkeeper Kim Chaebeen failed to hold a cross.
The momentum, however, swung firmly back Korea’s way with two goals in quick succession as Park Ju-ha restored their advantage in the 72nd minute before Kim Min-seo struck two minutes later to give them a 3-1 cushion.
Ecuador refused to give up and Evelyn Burgos reduced the deficit in the second minute of added time to set up a tense finale.
Their hopes of completing the comeback, however, suffered a further blow when Fiorella Pico was sent off three minutes later as Korea held firm to secure the victory and their place in the Round of 16.
Japan hold Italy
Japan came from behind to hold Italy to a 1-1 draw in their final Group D tie.
The result means Japan concluded their group stage campaign unbeaten on five points to finish second, two adrift of Italy and will take on the winners of Group E in the Round of 16 on Friday.
Hibari Hara almost scored one of the goals of the tournament midway through the first half, but her shot from all of 30 yards was tipped around the post by Italy goalkeeper Elena Belli.
Fadda then threatened for the Azzurrine, with Japan goalkeeper Uruha Iwasaki at full stretch to keep out her rising drive.
Italy forged ahead a minute before the hour mark. They were awarded a penalty following a VAR for a handball by Konoha Nakamura. Paola Fadda stepped up to slot home from the spot.
The European side almost made it 2-0 when substitute Marta Zamboni rattled the crossbar, before Natsumi Tago’s 80th minute looping strike earned Japan a share of the points.
