USA knocked out of U-20 World Cup on penalties

ByGuillermo Garcia

Sep 16, 2026 #Brazil, #canada, #Dunn, #England, #Japan, #SophiaSmith, #TeamUSA, #US Soccer, #uswnt, #USWNT Soccer, #USWNTSoccer

Will the U.S. adjust its youth calendar after this exit?

USA fell to Brazil on penalties after a 1‑1 draw in the U‑20 World Cup round of 16.

Brazil edged the United States in a penalty shootout after a 1‑1 deadlock through extra time in Katowice. Thaís Lima’s save on Emeri Adames set the tone, and Brazil clinched a 5‑4 victory.

The loss adds to a troubling spell for U.S. youth sides across both genders. Since October, three American teams have stumbled in World Cup knockouts, with the U‑17 boys and girls both bowing out on penalties and the U‑20 men falling in the quarter‑finals last October. For my money, the federation must rethink its youth development calendar.

The senior squad, fresh from Olympic gold and two recent World Cup titles, last lifted the U‑20 crown in 2012, featuring stars like Crystal Dunn, Julie Ertz and Sam Mewis, now retired.