The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland  got underway on Matchday 12, featuring dramatic  penalty shootouts and decisive wins. 

While Brazil and Italy held their nerve from twelve yards to eliminate the USA and China , Korea Republic and Spain booked their quarter-final spots in normal time.

Striver.Football recaps all action from matchday 12 of the ongoing tournament.

Argentina 0–1 North Korea

North Korea edged past a resilient Argentina side at Arena Sosnowiec to secure their first U-20 World Cup quarter-final appearance since 2014. 

The Taegeuk Ladies controlled the tempo early, breaking through in the 33rd minute when Beom Yeju reacted quickest to a cross to lash home a smart left-footed finish.

Argentina pushed heavily after the break and rattled the crossbar through a looping Mercedes Diz header, but Korea's defense held firm to seal the win.

Goalscorer: Beom Yeju (33')
Visa Player of the Match: Nam Seungeun (North Korea)

Brazil 1–1 USA (Brazil won 5-4 on pens)

Brazil advanced to the quarter-finals after a tense penalty shootout victory over the USA at Arena Katowice.

Following a scoreless first half, Sofia Couto broke the deadlock in the 59th minute by expertly heading home a searching cross from Clarinha. 

The USA responded just four minutes later when Ainsley McCammon leveled with a long-range effort that deflected off a defender. With both sides trading near-misses, including Alex Buck hitting the post for the Americans, the match went to penalties.

Brazil goalkeeper Thais Lima saved the USA's opening attempt, paving the way for a 5-4 shootout triumph.

Goalscorers: Sofia Couto (59') | Ainsley McCammon (63')
Visa Player of the Match: Ana Beatriz (Brazil)

Italy 1–1 China (Italy won 5-4 on pens)

Italy booked their ticket to the last eight after edging China  in another dramatic penalty shootout at Arena Sosnowiec. 

Karen Appiah opened the scoring in the 34th minute by slamming home a rebound after China goalkeeper Liu Chen palmed away a deep cross. 

China fought back in the second half, drawing level when Wang Dantong's looping shot was spilled over the line. After a scoreless extra period, the Italians were flawless from the spot, converting all five penalties while China missed their final attempt to exit the tournament.

Goalscorers: Karen Appiah (34') | Elena Belli own goal (73')
Visa Player of the Match: Maya Cherubini (Italy)

Spain 2–0 Portugal

Spain marched into the quarter-finals with a clinical win over Iberian neighbors Portugal, who played the entire second half a player down. Marisa Garcia opened the scoring after just nine minutes with a precise strike across the face of goal for her fourth of the tournament. 

Portugal's evening worsened before halftime when Neide Guedes received a red card for a high challenge.

Although goalkeeper Nair Pina expertly saved a Daniela Agote penalty to keep Portugal in the contest, a late own goal sealed La Rojita's victory and set up a blockbuster quarter-final clash with Brazil.

Goalscorers: Marisa Garcia (9'), Nair Pina own goal (70')
Visa Player of the Match: Rosalia Dominguez (Spain)

Matchday 12 in Numbers

10/10 — Combined flawless penalties converted by Brazil and Italy to seal their respective shootouts.

12 — Years since Korea Republic last featured in the tournament's quarter-finals, dating back to 2014.

4 — Tournament goals now tallied by Spain's Marisa Garcia after her early opener.

1 — Red card issued during the opening round of knockout fixtures, shown to Portugal's Neide Guedes.