Falconets of Nigeria will take on Colombia in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 women’s World Cup in Poland. The quarterfinal tie was confirmed after Colombia edged out hosts Poland 1-0 in Thursday’s round of 16 clash. The decisive goal came late, in the 89th minute, through an own goal by Poland’s Martyna Bartczak, which occurred from a shot by Colombia’s Mariana Silva that deflected off the defender into the net.
The match was tightly contested with few clear chances until then; Poland had some late opportunities that Colombia’s defense and goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo managed to repel. Colombia, advanced from Group E as one of the best third-placed teams (with a win over Costa Rica, a draw against Portugal, and a loss to North Korea). This marks consecutive quarterfinal appearances for the Colombian side in the competition.
Also Read: 2026 U-20 WWC: England Underrated Us — Aduku Reacts After Falconets’ Triumph This would be the second time the Falconets will face Colombia at the World Cup, after their first clash in the semifinal of the 2010 tournament. A second minute goal by Ebere Orji secured a 1-0 win for the Falconets, who went on to lose 2-0 to Germany in the final.
Meanwhile, earlier on Thursday the Falconets thrashed England 3-0 to book their place in the quarterfinals. Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and substitute Mary Mamudu got the Falconets’ three goals.