Defending champions DPR Korea face Colombia, while Spain and history-making Italy meet in Wednesday’s semi-finals
September 23, 2026 — The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 has reached its final four, with defending champions DPR Korea, Spain, Colombia and first-time semi-finalists Italy still competing for the title.
Both semi-finals will be played on Wednesday at the Władysław Król Municipal Stadium in Łódź. Italy face Spain at 3:00 p.m. local time, before DPR Korea meet Colombia at 6:30 p.m.
The tournament, which began with 24 nations on September 5, has produced dramatic knockout matches, breakthrough performances and painful late eliminations. The final will take place on Sunday, September 27.
Quarter-final results
- Korea Republic 1–3 Italy
- Brazil 0–1 Spain
- Nigeria 0–1 Colombia
- DPR Korea 2–0 Canada
Appiah inspires Italy’s historic run
Italy continued the best campaign in their history with an impressive 3–1 victory over Korea Republic.
Karen Appiah scored twice and produced a commanding all-round performance as the Azzurrine reached the semi-finals for the first time. Paola Fadda added Italy’s other goal, while Haeun Lee scored for Korea Republic.
Italy’s achievement is particularly notable because the team had never previously advanced to the quarter-finals. After surviving a penalty shootout against China PR in the round of 16, Nicola Matteucci’s players delivered their most convincing knockout performance against Korea Republic.
They will now face a formidable Spanish team with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
Spain maintained their title challenge with a disciplined 1–0 win over Brazil at Arena Sosnowiec.
Pau Comendador scored the decisive goal in the 27th minute, converting Rosalia Domínguez’s delivery from the left. Brazil improved after the interval but struggled to create enough clear opportunities against Spain’s organised defence.
Spain won their first U-20 Women’s World Cup title in 2022 and have entered the semi-finals as one of the tournament’s strongest teams. Their meeting with Italy brings together Spain’s experience and attacking quality against the confidence of the competition’s surprise package.
Nigeria’s dream ends in stoppage time
Nigeria suffered a heartbreaking conclusion to an otherwise encouraging campaign, losing 1–0 to Colombia after conceding in added time.
The Falconets defended resiliently for much of the match but were reduced to 10 players late in the second half. Valerin Loboa then struck in the 92nd minute to send Colombia into the semi-finals.
Nigeria had reached the quarter-finals after an emphatic 3–0 round-of-16 victory over England. Their elimination means Africa will not have a representative in the last four, but the Falconets leave Poland having again demonstrated the continent’s enormous potential at youth level.
Colombia, meanwhile, are the only South American nation remaining in the tournament. They have improved on their quarter-final finish at the 2024 edition and are now pursuing their first appearance in a U-20 Women’s World Cup final.
Champions DPR Korea break Canadian resistance
DPR Korea kept their title defence alive with a dramatic 2–0 victory over Canada.
Canada resisted the champions for 90 minutes, but DPR Korea scored twice in stoppage time to secure their place in the semi-finals. The result ended Canada’s campaign with a record of two victories, one draw and two defeats.
Despite the defeat, Canada showed considerable progress. Kaylee Hunter’s hat-trick had powered the team to a 3–1 victory over France in the round of 16, sending Canada into the quarter-finals for the first time in 12 years.
DPR Korea remain the team to beat. The reigning champions have combined disciplined defending, physical intensity and ruthless finishing throughout the competition. They also defeated Colombia during the group stage, adding a compelling rematch element to Wednesday’s semi-final.
Semi-final fixtures — Wednesday, September 23
Italy vs Spain
3:00 p.m. local time
Władysław Król Municipal Stadium, Łódź
DPR Korea vs Colombia
6:30 p.m. local time
Władysław Król Municipal Stadium, Łódź
The winners will advance to Sunday’s final, while the defeated teams will contest the third-place match on Saturday, September 26.
With four teams representing three confederations still involved, Poland 2026 is set for a compelling finish. Spain are pursuing another world title, DPR Korea are fighting to retain their crown, Colombia are seeking a historic first final and Italy are attempting to extend the greatest run in their women’s youth football history.
