New Zealand exit FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™

New Zealand have been eliminated from FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ with a 9-0 defeat to the USA in their third and final group stage match. 

The Junior Football Ferns conceded four first half goals, and a further five in the second, in a disappointing end to their campaign at Zaglebie Sports Park in Sosnowiec, Poland.

Former three-time FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup champions in 2002, 2008, 2012, the USA had far too much in their arsenal for the Oceania champions. Two quickfire goals from Alex Buck and Kennedy Fuller had the Americans in control inside the first six mnutes.

Fuller would go on to score three, adding to her tally in the 83rd minute, and completing her hat-trick with the last kick of the game from the penalty spot in second half stoppage-time. Buck also grabbed a double, scoring her second in the 58th minute.

Micayla Johnson, Linda Ullmark, Emeri Adames, and Sealey Strawn, were the others to get on the scoreboard for the USA, who now move on to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

It’s New Zealand heaviest defeat at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, surpassing the record set by a 7-0 loss to Japan at the previous edition of the tournament in 2024, and they leave Poland with three defeats from their three matches.

New Zealand: 0
USA: 9 (Alex BUCK 4′, 58′, Kennedy FULLER 6′, 83′, 90+2′, Micayla JOHNSON 38′, Linda ULLMARK 43′, Emeri ADAMES 60′, Sealey STRAWN 87′)

HT: 0-4 
Photo credit: FIFA via Getty Images