The drama at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland intensified this weekend as the quarter-finals delivered four closely contested matches.

Striver.Football breaks down how the final four was decided, starting with the crushing heartbreak for Africa's last standing hope.

Colombia 1-0 Nigeria: Loboa Sends Colombia Into the Semi-Finals

Nigeria’s inspiring run at the U-20 Women's World Cup came to a devastating end in Lodz, where a 92nd-minute strike by Colombia's Valerin Loboa broke the Falconets' hearts.

Moses Aduku’s side dominated large stretches of the match and created the better openings. Portugal-based forward Janet Akekoromowei rattled the crossbar with a brilliant effort in the 19th minute, while defender Tumininu Adeshina forced a stunning tip-over save from Colombian keeper Luisa Agudelo. 

Despite dominating set-pieces and pressing for the opener through Favour Nkwocha and Tosin Rafiu, Nigeria lacked that final clinical edge.

The momentum swung dramatically in the 77th minute when Nigeria were reduced to 10 players after Kafayat Mafisere received a straight red card for a foul on Samantha Rodriguez. 

Digging deep, the Falconets defended tenaciously until the 92nd minute, when Loboa latched onto a through ball, saw her first effort blocked by captain Christiana Uzoma and scored from the rebound, and sent South America through to the semi-finals.

Spain and Italy Reach the Semi-Finals After Quarter-Final Wins

Spain 1-0 Brazil: La Rojita are back in the final four after a gritty tactical battle against Brazil. Pau Comendador proved to be the difference-maker in the 27th minute, finishing from Rosalía Domínguez’s cross.

Though Brazil heavily pressured Spanish goalkeeper Laia Lopez in the second half, David Aznar’s side displayed immense defensive discipline to see it out.

Korea Republic 1-3 Italy: Karen Appiah scored twice for the Azzurrine and won the Visa Player of the Match award.

After Lee Haeun had equalized for Korea Republic just before half-time, Appiah restored Italy's lead in the 48th minute with a left-footed finish from a corner, before Paola Fadda sealed the victory with a screamer from outside the box.

DPR Korea 2-0 Canada: Late Goals Send Defending Champions Through

If Nigeria's exit was painful, Canada's elimination was downright cruel. Facing the reigning and three-time champions DPR Korea, Cindy Tye’s underdog side held firm for nearly 92 minutes.

Goalkeeper Noelle Henning put up a heroic display with seven saves, and Canada also survived an earlier scare when a DPR Korea goal was ruled offside following a VAR review.

However, Canada conceded in the 92nd minute when Choe Rim-jong found the net from outside the box.

Ho Kyong added a second in the 96th minute with virtually the last kick of the game, ending a valiant Canadian campaign that showcased rising stars like Kaylee Hunter.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Quarter-Finals: By the Numbers

29-4: The shot tally in favor of DPR Korea against Canada.

19: The minute Janet Akekoromowei struck the crossbar for Nigeria, coming inches away from breaking the deadlock against Colombia.

7: Incredible saves made by Canadian goalkeeper Noelle Henning before DPR Korea finally broke through in stoppage time.

2: Goals scored by golden-boot-chasing standout Karen Appiah to lead Italy past Korea Republic.

92: The minute Valerin Loboa scored Colombia's winner against Nigeria and Choe Rim-jong opened the scoring for DPR Korea against Canada.