Hosts Poland start with bang as Benin rally to make history

Quick start powers Poland while Evelin decisive for Brazil

Gandonou brace earns Benin historic draw as England rally for point

Watch the U-20 Women's World Cup

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™ got off to a smashing start on Saturday, as the host nation marched to a Group A victory against Argentina thanks to a pair of first-half goals. The nightcap in the group saw debutantes Benin rally from a two-goal second half deficit thanks to a pair of goals from 15-year-old sensation Romaine Gandonou to earn a draw with Mexico.

In Group B, Brazil made a statement with a strong second half, as they overcame a stubborn Tanzania side. Evelin paced the South American champions with a pair of goals. Meanwhile, Rachel Maltby's late penalty conversion earned England a share of the spoils against Canada.

Group A

Poland 3-0 Argentina

Poland goals: Oliwia Zwiazek (26), Annika Paz own goal (30), Maja Zielinska (90+5) Visa Player of the Match: Lena Swirska (Poland)

Hosts Poland got off to the perfect start in their maiden U-20 Women's World Cup campaign with a convincing victory over Argentina to the delight of a raucous Katowice crowd.

The South Americans dominated the early stages but Poland quickly found their feet. They took the lead when a dangerous effort from Lena Swirska was parried into the path of Zwiazek, who slotted home with ease. Zwiazek, a former competitive swimmer, is one of a number of Poland stars who took part at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Dominican Republic 2024™.

The hosts doubled their lead four minutes later when Argentina playmaker Paz directed a Zofia Pagowska corner into her own net. The Poles comfortably held on, with Maja Zielinka's excellent stoppage time finish serving as the icing on the cake.

What they said...

"For us, the first game is always the most important. We believe that if we win the first game, things will automatically go better for us in the next stage. And for sure, we are confident that we can get out of the group and fight for medals. What I liked the most was that we were a team on the pitch, and you could really see that. Everybody was fighting, and we knew that everyone would help each other out. That’s why I’m really proud of my team." Zuzanna Witek, Poland captain

"It is a very important win for us. We are very happy to start this tournament very well, because this tournament is held in Poland, it is for our fans, it is a dream coming true in youth football. This is a wonderful time. This match will be remembered by our fans and us for a long time." Marcin Kasprowicz, Poland coach

"It’s a great joy, and it’s an honour to play for the Poland national team. It’s very important for us because this game can help us move up the table, and it’s great to be able to play in Poland. My expectation was to win the first match and then win the next two games to get out of the group. And the first part worked out – we are very happy." Oliwia Zwiazek, Poland goalscorer

"I think we were up to the level the match required. Perhaps the scoreline is a little misleading. Especially in the first half, I think we were even better than them. But that’s football. When you create chances, you have to take them, because if you don’t, this is how you get punished at this level. It's only the beginning and there are still several matches to play. For now, we’re going to clear our heads and get some rest. Tomorrow, we’ll turn our full attention to Benin." Agustina Maldonado, Argentina captain

"The reality is that we need to take the positives from this game and work on the negatives. There were a lot of negative things, to be honest. Although, at the same time, they scored two goals in the space of a minute that came completely out of nowhere. I’m not sure that’s the right way to describe it, but those goals felt as though they belonged to a different game. I think we definitely need to improve our finishing so that we can make better use of the chances we create." Christian Meloni, Argentina coach

Mexico 2-2 Benin

Mexico goals: Alice Soto (21), Montserrat Saldivar (51) Benin goals: Romaine Gandonou (56 pen & 87) Visa Player of the Match: Romaine Gandonou (Benin)

Gandonou scored a brilliant brace as debutantes Benin recovered from a two-goal deficit to register a highly-impressive draw against Mexico.

El Tri looked on course for victory when Soto bundled the ball in from close range to give the Concacaf nation a 21st-minute lead, which was extended by Saldivar early in the second half.

But the 15-year-old Gandonou gave Benin hope when she converted a penalty, which kissed the post. The African nation fought to the end and their persistence paid off when Gandonou took on the Mexico defence before striking the ball into the net with just three minutes remaining. Benin's players fell to the floor and hugged each other in celebration afterwards.

What they said...

"We struggled a little physically because of the way the Benin players played. We knew the match could be like that. We had the game in our hands to score a second and even a third goal. At this level, it is very important to make the most of the opportunities we create. Now we have to sit down and analyse everything calmly, without getting desperate and with a clear head." Dorival Bueno, Mexico coach

"It was a goal that brought a lot of emotion. I am very happy to have scored, but also very sad about the draw. Everything is a lesson and everything is part of the learning process. We are going to analyse what we did in this match. It wasn't all bad, and we have to use it to prepare as well as possible for the next opponent." Montserrat Saldivar, Mexico striker

"In the second half, we managed to find a solution and, from that moment on, the game changed. We must not forget that, in terms of experience, this is the first time these girls have played in such a competition. That may have inhibited them at the start. Once they got a measure of the opposition, I think they realised that they could compete, that they were at the same level and that they needed to let themselves go. That’s what they did in the second half." Abdoulaye Ouzerou, Benin coach

"I’m very happy to have scored twice in my first match. We will keep working ahead of the second game. My team-mates and I will give everything to win and pick up the three points." Romaine Gandonou, Benin striker

Group B

Brazil 4-1 Tanzania

Brazil goals: Thaynara (14), Evelin (49 & 68), Vitorinha (81) Tanzania goal: Winfrida Gerlad pen (39) Visa Player of the Match: Evelin (Brazil)

Brazil opened their campaign in triumphant fashion against Tanzania in Bielsko-Biala. They struck first when Tanzania failed to clear a free kick, allowing Thaynara to curl in a right-footed effort. Tanzania hung tough and pulled level through Gerald’s penalty conversion after Sofia Couto had clipped her in the Brazil area.

Brazil regained the lead for good in the second stanza, as Evelin surged past a defender and fired home a left-footed finish. She was at it again with another devastating strike from the left flank to pad the Brazil lead.

The day then ended with a splash for the South Americans, as a sizzling free kick from Vitorinha went into the top left corner of net.

What they said...

"It's very important to take another little step. I am very happy with our first match and because I could help the team with a brace. Our rhythm fell a bit during the first half, but we spoke to coach Camilla during the half-time break and improved our focus for the second part." Evelin, Brazil attacker

"First of all, I'm not sad because this was our first game of the tournament. Our players lost confidence after Brazil’s second and third goals, but overall, we've done enough for the first game and I hope we can correct our mistakes and maybe we will return much better. Winfrida did a very good job. She suffered the penalty and scored Tanzania's first ever goal in the tournament. It's a good moment for her and for the team. It's good for the team to score the first goal in this tournament. We are going to correct some mistakes in defending and I hope we manage to score again in the second game." Bakari Shime, Tanzania coach

Canada 1-1 England

Canada goal: Annabelle Chukwu (52) England goal: Rachel Maltby pen (89) Visa Player of the Match: Jeneva Hernandez Gray (Canada)

Maltby converted a late penalty to rescue a draw for England against Canada. It was a very cagey first 45 minutes between the two sides, with neither able to create much in the way of chances due to solid defensive play at both ends.

Chukwu was brought on to start the second half and immediately repaid the faith by receiving a surgical pass from Janet Okeke, slaloming past two defenders and finishing with her left foot.

England looked to get back on level terms, but had to wait until the waning minutes when Maltby was tripped in the area. A video review resulted in a spot kick, which Maltby coolly struck to earn her side a share of the spoils.

What they said...

"Annabelle [Chukwu] is coming back from school, so we're still managing her minutes. She did really well tonight and will grow in her minutes as the tournament evolves. It's one of her goals to be in Brazil 2027. I definitely think she's a kid who will push into that opportunity." Cindy Tye, Canada coach

"We learned a lot from this match and we're going to take a lot from it going forward. Now it's all about the preparation for Brazil. This group is amazing, so really looking forward to prepare again and get excited for another big match. It would've been nice to win, but we're super proud of the performance. We will move on, learn and go against Brazil." Stephanie Schoeley, Canada captain

"We've spoken about our team's mentality. We always said that if we want to go far in this tournament, we need togetherness. Eleven players had to start the game, but everyone on the bench knows that they have a job to do. Every player has their part in some moments. It helped us get that momentum that we needed. Footballism isn't about being great in every game, it's about group resilience. We're really luck to have so many talented players. I certainly have 21 players that are capable of starting." Lydia Bedford, England coach

"It was quite nerve-wracking to be able to equalize almost at the last minute. We always want to win, but a point at this stage of the tournament is something that can help us move forward. We all needed that tie. And the way it was, it helps us build momentum for the next game. We approach each game the same, and we're confident in the squad we have." Rachel Maltby, England goalscorer

"I think the tie at the end was a reflection of the game. To get a goal is really important. We have another game around the corner, so we focus on Tanzania now. This is definitely one of the toughest groups. We'll really take on what we can from Canada to grow and punish Tanzania." Katie Cox, England goalkeeper