France were held to a 1-1 draw by South Korea in their opening Group C match at the Women’s U20 World Cup, despite dominating possession and registering 12 shots in the second half.
The two teams met at Sosnowiec Arena on Sunday, 6 September 2026, but neither could find the decisive goal in a closely fought opening fixture. The result leaves France and South Korea level on points ahead of the group’s other match.
South Korea made the stronger start and took the lead after 12 minutes. Cho Hye-Young finished the move after being set up by Han Min-Seo, giving the South Koreans an early advantage in the first match of the section.
France were forced to respond and gradually found their way back into the contest. Their pressure was rewarded in the 36th minute when N. Traore equalised, with J. Rouquet providing the assist.
The goal restored parity before half-time and ensured France went into the interval on level terms after having been caught out by South Korea’s bright opening.
France then controlled much of the second half. Their 63% share of possession reflected their greater influence after the break, while their 12 attempts showed a sustained effort to complete the comeback.
However, the French side could not breach the South Korean defence for a second time. Despite their overall dominance in the latter stages, they were unable to turn pressure into another goal, leaving the match tied at 1-1.
South Korea’s early opener had threatened to put France under significant pressure in their first appearance of the tournament, but the French response ensured they avoided defeat. The equaliser before half-time also gave France a platform from which to take control after the break.
Neither side was able to claim all three points, meaning France and South Korea remain level in Group C while they await the result of the pool’s second match.