*This content was translated by AI.
The Korea Republic Under-20 (U20) women's national football team has advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
Led by head coach Park Yoon-jung, South Korea defeated Argentina 1-0 in the Round of 16 match held at Arena Sosnowiec in Sosnowiec, Poland, on the 16th (Korea time).
This marks South Korea's first quarterfinal appearance in this tournament since the 2014 Canada edition (quarterfinals), a span of 12 years. It is also their first quarterfinal berth since the 2024 tournament expanded from 16 to 24 teams, which reached the Round of 16.
South Korea held on to Beom Ye-ju's opening goal scored in the 33rd minute of the first half. Jo Hye-young (Madrid CFF), receiving a pass from Cheon Si-woo (both Ulsan Science University), delivered a cutback from the right side of the penalty area. After the ball deflected off an Argentine defender and trickled away, Beom Ye-ju finished with a left-footed shot.
Later in the match, South Korea benefited from luck as two opponent shots struck the goalposts, combined with goalkeeper Kim Chae-bin (Gwangyang Girls' High School) making crucial saves, allowing them to maintain their 1-0 lead. The total number of shots was 11 for South Korea and 18 for Argentina.
Having reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 12 years, South Korea will face Italy, who previously defeated China, in a match scheduled for the 19th at 10 p.m.
If South Korea also defeats Italy to reach the semifinals, it would be their best performance since finishing third at the 2010 Germany edition (third place), marking a 16-year gap. The 2010 tournament remains the highest achievement in the team's history in this competition.
Should they advance to the semifinals, South Korea will face the winner of the Brazil-Spain match. While South Korea has secured their spot in the quarterfinals, other Asian teams—North Korea and Japan—are set to meet each other in the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, head coach Park Yoon-jung stated through the Korea Football Association: "The players desperately wanted this victory, so they gave their all on the field and achieved a great result. I am happy that we have reached the quarterfinals. We will not be satisfied here and will do our utmost to climb even higher."
He added, "In the match against Argentina, avoiding conceding an early goal proved crucial for securing a positive outcome. Now, as we prepare for the quarterfinal clash against Italy, with only a short distance remaining to reach our target, I want to encourage the players to push harder and aim even higher."
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*This content was translated by AI.
