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 defeated South Korea 3-1, with Karen Appiah putting them ahead in the 16th minute. Lee Haeun levelled for South Korea just before half-time, scoring in the 43rd minute, but Appiah restored Italy’s lead three minutes after the restart.
Paola Fadda completed the scoring in the 63rd minute as Italy secured a place in the last four of the competition for the first time.
Spain then claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Brazil in the other quarter-final. Pau Comendador scored the only goal in the 27th minute, converting from Rosalia Dominguez’s cross.
Brazil responded after the break, but Spain held on to preserve their advantage and continue their bid to reach another final.
The defending Women’s Under-20 World Cup champions will meet Italy in the semi-finals.
The remaining quarter-finals will take place on Sunday, when Nigeria face Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Korea play Canada.