Matchday eight of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland  delivered a flurry of goals and high-stakes drama as Groups C and D reached their conclusions on Saturday.

While three-time champions USA emphatically roared back into form to secure a knockout berth, European heavyweights Italy and France clinched their respective groups in style.

Striver.Football recaps all the action from matchday eignt.

Group D: USA Put Nine Past New Zealand; Italy Hold Off Japan

New Zealand 0–9 USA

After a sluggish start to their campaign, the USA emphatically punched their ticket to the Round of 16 with a resounding 9–0 rout over New Zealand, eliminating the Oceania side. 

Vicky Jepson’s side raced out of the blocks with two goals in as many minutes through Alex Buck and captain Kennedy Fuller. Buck added her second after the interval, while Fuller completed a brilliant hat-trick, capped off by a 92nd-minute penalty. 

Micayla Johnson, Linda Ullmark, Emeri Adames, and Sealey Strawn also got on the scoresheet as the Stars and Stripes secured third place in Group D on four points, booking a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against Brazil.

Italy 1–1 Japan

Italy and Japan shared the spoils in Łódź, a result that secured top spot in Group D for the *Azzurrine* and a runner-up finish for the Young Nadeshiko. 

Italy took the lead just before the hour mark when Paola Fadda confidently slotted home a penalty following a VAR review for handball. 

However, Japan showed trademark resilience as substitute Natsumi Tago came off the bench to score a vital looping equalizer in the 80th minute, ensuring both sides advanced safely.

Group C: France Sweep Past Ghana; Korea Republic Edge Ecuador

Ghana 0–4 France

France cruised into the Round of 16 as Group C winners with a comfortable victory over Ghana, extending the Black Princesses' wait for a maiden knockout appearance. 

Clara Bertrand opened the scoring early in the second half with a bouncing effort that eluded goalkeeper Precious Akanguwie. *Les Bleuettes* then doubled their lead through a clever set-piece routine before Justine Rouquet volleyed home. 

Ornella Graziani added a penalty before Rouquet sealed her brace late in the match.

Korea Republic 3–2 Ecuador

Korea Republic secured second place in Group C and a spot in the Round of 16 with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Ecuador. 

Lee Haeun opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Dariana Moran leveled for Ecuador. Substitutes Park Juha and Kim Minseo then struck quickfire goals in the second half to put the Asian side in command. 

Evelyn Burgos pulled one back deep into stoppage time for Ecuador,who also saw captain Fiorella Pico sent off—leaving the South Americans facing an anxious wait as they hope to sneak through as a best third-placed side.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Matchday 8 by the Numbers

9 — Goals scored by the USA against New Zealand, marking the biggest margin of victory on the day and sealing their progression as a best third-placed side.

3— Goals netted by Kennedy Fuller, making her the latest player to claim a hat-trick at Poland 2026.

1 — Draw needed by Japan against Italy to confirm their second-place finish in Group D.

4 — Goals put Ghana past France to secure top spot in Group C with a clean sheet.

0 — Points and remaining tournament life for eliminated New Zealand and Ghana.