Nigeria’s Falconets will face Colombia in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after the South American side eliminated hosts Poland with a late 1-0 victory.
Colombia secured their place in the last eight when Poland conceded an own goal in the 89th minute of their last-16 meeting on Thursday. Martyna Bartczak was credited with the goal after Mariana Silva’s shot deflected off the defender and into the net.
The contest produced few clear-cut chances before the decisive moment. Poland pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Colombia’s defence and goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo kept out the hosts’ late attempts.
Colombia reached the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams from the group phase. They beat Costa Rica, drew with Portugal and lost to North Korea in Group E.
Their victory over Poland means Colombia have reached the quarter-finals in consecutive editions of the competition.
Nigeria had booked their own place in the last eight earlier on Thursday with a convincing 3-0 win over England. Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring before Janet Akekoromowei added a second, with substitute Mary Mamudu completing the victory.
The quarter-final will be only the second World Cup meeting between the Falconets and Colombia. Their first encounter came in the semi-finals of the 2010 tournament.
Nigeria won that match 1-0, with Ebere Orji scoring in the second minute. The Falconets subsequently lost 2-0 to Germany in the final.
Colombia’s progress now sets up a repeat of that previous meeting at the same stage, with both teams aiming to move into the final four of the 2026 tournament.