Brazil are into the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland. On Wednesday (September 16), in Katowice, the team knocked out the United States — three-time champions of the tournament — 5-4 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw through regulation and extra time.
Their next opponent will be the winner of Spain vs. Portugal, who play later today at 1:30 p.m. The quarterfinal will be on Saturday (September 19) in Sosnowiec, at the same time.
The first half belonged to them
The Americans were the better side in the opening half, even without creating clear chances. Brazil struggled to string passes together and conceded counterattacks, with their opponents breaking at speed from midfield.
A change of attitude
After the break, the Brazilians took control. Three minutes in, Brendha (Flamengo) shot over the bar from just beyond the penalty spot. Six minutes later, Nogueira (Ferroviária) fired from the edge of the box, just wide of the left post.
The pressure paid off in the 13th minute: a cross from Clarinha (Benfica) on the left and a header from center-back Sofia (Flamengo) into Caroline Birkel's corner — the ball even hit the post before going in.
The lead lasted four minutes. In the 17th minute, Ainsley McCammon shot from distance, the ball deflected off center-back Thay (Botafogo) and went into the right corner.
The saves that kept the game alive
In the 34th minute, Hope Munson crossed and Sealey Strawn flicked it on in the six-yard box — a great save by Thais Lima. Alex Buck hit the rebound against the left post.
In stoppage time, Emilly (Flamengo) went for the top left corner from outside the box and just cleared the crossbar. The 30 minutes of extra time ended goalless.
The shootout
Thais Lima, the Benfica goalkeeper, saved the first American penalty, taken by Emeri Adames, in the left corner.
From then on, Brazil did not miss: Brendha, Gisele (Grêmio), Emilly, Aninha (Internacional) and, to seal the place in the next round, center-back Bianca, also of Internacional. For the United States, McCammon, Y-Lan Nguyen, Lilyana Joseph and Aven Alvarez scored.
Five kicks, five goals — against a team that has already won the tournament three times.
With information from Agência Brasil. Original report by Lincoln Chaves, published on September 16, 2026.
