Penalty denies New Zealand in opening game at FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup
A stoppage-time penalty by Japan has denied New Zealand their first point at this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
New Zealand and Japan were tied 1-1 at the end of normal time at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź when the Asian champions were awarded a penalty.
The spot kick was struck home by Miyu Matsunaga, giving her a double for the match.
After a scoreless first half, Matsunaga gave Japan the lead four minutes into the second spell.
New Zealand head coach Callum Holmes made a double substitution in the 58th minute and within a minute, Lily Brazendale found an equaliser for her country.
However, the late penalty was enough to get Japan the three points in the opening game of Group D.
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Results
Games played on Monday September 7, 2026 (NZT)
Group D
Japan 2 (Miyu Matsunaga 49′, 90+2′ pen)
New Zealand 1 (Lily Brazendale 59′)
United States
Italy
*Result to come, kick-off 4am (NZT)
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Group D
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Italy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| United States | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| New Zealand | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
Fixtures
Games to be played on Thursday September 10, 2026 (NZT)
Italy v New Zealand
Stadion Miejski LKS, Lódz, 1am (NZT)
Japan v United States
Stadion Miejski LKS, Lódz, 4am (NZT)
Games to be played September 13, 2026 (NZT)
Italy v Japan
Stadion Miejski LKS, Lódz, 1am (NZT)
New Zealand v United States
Arena Sosnowiec, Sosnowiec, 1am (NZT)
This story was first published on September 7, 2026.
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