Poland’s 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup has reached its final four, with North Korea, Spain, Italy and Colombia carrying four different ambitions into Wednesday’s semi-finals. The quarter-finals produced no extra-time drama, but they left a striking mix of defending champions, former winners and two sides still pursuing a first title.
North Korea, holders of the trophy after their 2024 success, moved through with a 2-0 victory over Canada. They will now face Colombia, who edged Nigeria 1-0 to remain in contention for the first world crown in their history at this level.
On the other side of the draw, Spain eliminated Brazil by the same 1-0 scoreline, while Italy turned in the most emphatic quarter-final performance, beating South Korea 3-1. The result sets up an all-European meeting between Italy and Spain, with the Spanish side seeking a return to the final after lifting the title in 2022.
A route to history for North Korea
North Korea’s defence of the title also carries a larger historical prize. Another triumph in Poland would give them four U-20 Women’s World Cup titles, adding 2026 to their previous victories in 2006, 2016 and 2024. That would take them clear of the United States and Germany, who each have three titles, as the competition’s most successful nation.
Colombia stand in the way of that record-setting possibility. Their semi-final will begin at 10:30 on Wednesday 23 September, after Italy and Spain open the day’s programme at 7:00. Italy arrive with momentum from their three-goal display against South Korea, while Spain have again shown their capacity to survive a narrow knockout match.
For Colombia, the meeting with North Korea is an opportunity to turn a disciplined 1-0 win over Nigeria into a place in the biggest match of the tournament. For North Korea, it is another step towards retaining the world title and establishing a new benchmark in the U-20 women’s game.
