Italy 1–1 Japan in Group D’s final match at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 on 12 September in Łódź. Both teams advanced to the knockout stage.
Italy took the lead in the 59th minute through a Paola Fadda penalty after a VAR-confirmed handball. Natsumi Tago equalized in the 80th minute from a set-piece situation. The first half finished 0–0.
Italy topped Group D unbeaten with 7 points (2 wins, 1 draw). Japan finished second with 5 points (1 win, 2 draws) and secured their place in the round of 16. The United States took third with 4 points.
Italy were already through before kickoff after earlier wins over the USA (2–1) and New Zealand (3–0). Japan had beaten New Zealand 2–1 and drawn 2–2 with the USA. The draw sent Japan through as group runners-up; they were scheduled to face a Group E winner (potentially DPR Korea or Colombia) in the last 16.
The match was played at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź with an attendance of around 500. FIFA highlights are available on their official YouTube channel.
