W’Cup: Falconets face anxious wait after China draw

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Nigeria’s Falconets were held to a goalless draw by China in their second Group F game at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging in the balance, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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The result leaves Nigeria with one point from two matches after they opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain.

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The Falconets, who must now win their final group game against New Caledonia to strengthen their chances of progressing, remain third in the group behind Spain and China.

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Spain lead the group with six points and a goal difference of plus 13, following their emphatic 11-0 demolition of New Caledonia, while China have four points and a plus-five goal difference.

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Nigeria, meanwhile, have one point and a minus-two goal difference, while New Caledonia have no points and a -16 goal difference.

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Despite the disappointing draw, the Falconets are still in contention for a place in the round of 16.

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Nigeria can finish second in Group F if results on the final matchday go their way, particularly if Spain beat China. They could also advance as one of the four best third-placed teams across the six groups.

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The draw against China also means the Falconets cannot afford another slip-up, with their qualification hopes now dependent on both their final result and the outcome of the Spain-China encounter.

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Meanwhile, Spain booked their place in the knockout stages for a fifth consecutive tournament after recording the biggest win of the 2026 competition so far.

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La Rojita thrashed debutants New Caledonia 11-0, surpassing Argentina’s 8-0 victory over Benin as the highest winning margin in Poland.

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The result also equalled the tournament’s biggest-ever winning margin, matching France’s 11-0 victory over Fiji in 2024.

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Celia Segura scored four goals to move joint-top of the adidas Golden Boot standings, while Pau Comendador and Marisa Garcia both scored twice.

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Alba Cerrato, Carla Julia and Rosalia Dominguez completed Spain’s rout as the European champions confirmed their place in the knockout stages.

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Nigeria will face New Caledonia in the last group game on Sunday.

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