Poland 2026: Falconets Stay Alive as Spain, DPR Korea Join Poland, Brazil In Round of 16 After Matchday Two Concludes
Nigeria’s Falconets remain in contention for a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after holding China PR to a goalless draw, while Spain, defending champions DPR Korea, hosts Poland, Brazil and Italy have already secured knockout-stage places.
The Falconets’ 0–0 draw with China PR at the Arena Sosnowiec on Thursday gave Nigeria their first point of the tournament after a 2–0 opening-day defeat to Spain.
Although the result leaves Nigeria with work to do, the Falconets are still firmly in the qualification race heading into the final round of Group F matches.
With 24 teams competing in Poland, the top two teams in each group, together with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 16.
Group F: Falconets Still Alive as Spain Go Through
Spain became the first team from Group F to secure qualification after producing a stunning 11–0 victory over New Caledonia.
The emphatic result took Spain to six points from two matches and gave them a commanding goal difference, following their opening 2–0 victory over Nigeria.
Celia Segura was the standout performer, scoring four goals as Spain recorded one of the biggest victories in FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup history.
Spain’s final group fixture against China PR will determine the final order at the top of Group F.
China remain in a strong position after their opening 5–0 victory over New Caledonia and Thursday’s goalless draw with Nigeria.
For the Falconets, however, the equation is clear: Nigeria must beat New Caledonia in their final group match.
Victory would take Nigeria to four points and keep them in contention for either second place or one of the four best third-placed slots.
A draw would leave the Falconets on two points and make qualification considerably more difficult, while defeat would end their campaign.
The final Group F fixtures will see China PR face Spain, while Nigeria take on New Caledonia.
Group E: DPR Korea Through, Colombia in Strong Position
Defending champions DPR Korea have also booked their place in the Round of 16 after maintaining their perfect start to the tournament.
The reigning champions followed their opening 2–0 victory over Portugal with a convincing win over Costa Rica to move to six points.
DPR Korea will face Colombia in their final Group E match, with top spot still to be decided.
Colombia also remain in a strong position after their opening victory over Costa Rica and will be looking to secure their own passage into the knockout rounds.
Portugal and Costa Rica, meanwhile, face a decisive final match as they battle to keep their campaigns alive.
The final round of Group E matches will determine the remaining qualification positions.
Group A: Hosts Poland Through
Hosts Poland were among the first teams to secure their Round-of-16 place after defeating Mexico 2–1.
The victory gave Poland six points from two matches and guaranteed their progress to the knockout stage.
Argentina, Mexico and Benin will battle for the remaining qualification places in the group, with the final round set to determine the order behind the hosts.
Group B: Brazil Qualify as England Keep Pressure On
Brazil also secured their place in the Round of 16 after defeating Canada 3–0.
The result gave the South Americans six points from two matches and strengthened their position at the top of Group B.
England moved to four points after an impressive 5–1 victory over Tanzania and remain in contention for second place.
Canada and Tanzania will need favourable results in the final round to remain in the qualification picture.
Group C: France Lead as Battle Remains Open
Group C remains one of the most closely contested sections after two rounds.
France moved to four points following their 3–2 victory over Ecuador, while Ecuador and Ghana have three points each.
Ghana revived their qualification hopes with a 3–1 victory over Korea Republic.
Korea Republic, with one point, will need a positive result in their final match to strengthen their chances of progressing.
The group is therefore still wide open heading into the final round.
Group D: Italy Make History as Japan and USA Battle
Italy secured their place in the knockout stage with a 3–0 victory over New Zealand.
The result gave the Azzurrine six points from two matches and confirmed their historic first qualification for the knockout stage of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Japan and the USA remain in contention after playing out a 2–2 draw.
Japan moved to four points, while the USA have one point and will need a strong final-round performance to keep their campaign alive.
Eleven round of 16 places is still up for grabs as teams begin the final round of matches in the group stage.
