Asia’s challenge at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 continues with all four teams advancing to the knockout stage.
Defending champions North Korea led the march, with China, Korea and Japan joining them in the in the Round of 16.
North Korea cruised to a 3-0 win over Colombia to seal top spot in Group E last night.
Choe Rim Jong gave the three-time champions the lead in the 11th minute before Choe Yon A converted two late penalties to seal a convincing victory.
Having already booked their place in the Round of 16 following wins over Portugal (2-0) and Costa Rica (4-0), Han Chol Hak’s side delivered another masterclass to book a repeat of April’s AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand final, which Japan won 1-0.
Kang Ryu Mi skilfully spun her marker and forced Luisa Agudelo into an early save, but the deadlock was soon broken.
Choe pocketed possession on the right wing, swung inside two Colombians with one touch, and curled the ball home palatially.
A last-gasp Mercedes Martinez challenge, and two fine saves from Agudelo, kept Carlos Paniagua’s charges in the game, but North Korea pulled themselves out of sight in the last 10 minutes thanks to two Choe penalties.
China 1-3 Spain
China advanced to the knockout stage of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 despite losing 3-1 to Spain on Sunday.
The East Asians finished third in Group F after Nigeria’s 10-1 win against New Caledonia saw the African side pipping them to the second spot with China progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.
Pau Comendador put in yet another commanding performance as Spain topped the table with three wins out of three.
The La Rojita playmaker scored a brilliant first half brace with an exquisite 15-yard volley in the 41st minute and then five minutes later with an impressive long-range effort after excellent hold-up play by Celia Segura.
Spain had taken an early lead through Daniela Agote’s 19th minute penalty following a handball by Huang Jiaxin.
The China defender, who has made waves in Poland with her attacking threat, later atoned for her error, scoring her fourth of the tournament with a powerful header in the 66th minute.
