FIFA U20 Women's; Stoppage-Time Heroics Send DPR Korea to Semi-Finals as South Korea Fall to Italy

Choe Rim Jong and Ho Kyong strike deep into stoppage time to shatter Canada's resolute defense, while Karen Appiah leads Italy past South Korea to complete the last-four lineup in Poland.

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9/20/20261 min read

Łódź, Poland. The quarter-final stage of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026™ concluded with high-octane drama, leaving reigning champions DPR Korea as Asia's sole remaining flagbearer heading into the semi-finals.

DPR Korea 2 – 0 Canada: Stoppage-Time Heartbreak Defending champions DPR Korea dominated possession and territory throughout both halves, but Canada executed a brilliant low-block defensive strategy that thwarted every attack. Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, DPR Korea's relentless pressure finally broke Canadian hearts in stoppage time:

  • 90+2' Goal (1–0): Choe Rim Jong found space inside a crowded penalty area to break the deadlock and score the elusive opener.

  • 90+6' Goal (2–0): As Canada pushed forward in desperation, Ho Kyong capitalized on a swift counter-attack to double the lead and punch DPR Korea's ticket to the semi-finals.

South Korea 1 – 3 Italy: Appiah Double Ends Taegeuk Ladies' Journey In the earlier quarter-final, South Korea saw their campaign come to an end against a clinical Italian squad. Both sides showcased sharp tactical setups in an evenly matched first half that finished 1–1 at the break.

Italy seized total control early in the second half. Karen Appiah struck in the 48th minute to put Italy ahead 2–1, before Paola Fadda put the result beyond doubt with a decisive third goal in the 63rd minute, sealing a 3–1 victory to eliminate South Korea.

DPR Korea’s late stoppage-time surge keeps their World Cup title defense alive as they advance to face Colombia in the semi-finals. Despite South Korea's exit at the hands of a clinical Italian side, Asia's presence remains strong at the summit of world youth football.