The U-20 Women’s World Cup is a international event that happens every 2 years, instead of 4 like the senior WC. This is a very interesting and important age group because many are the future stars of the senior national teams. Over the past few decades there are a few countries who have come on the scene, like Spain. On the contrary, Korea and China have fallen off. USA, Brazil and Germany have always been strong.
This U20 tournament has 16 teams, compared to the senior cup with 32.
History of the Women’s U-20 World Cup
2002
USA defeated Canada for the finals in Canada.
3rd place Germany over Brazil.
Christine Sinclair won the Golden Ball.
2004
Germany over China in Thailand.
3rd place US beat Brazil.
Brazil’s Marta was the Adidas Golden Ball recipient, as the tournament’s most valuable player, and Canada’s Brittany Timko won the Golden Shoe with 7 goals in 4 games.
2006
North Korea defeated China 5-0 in Russia. Ma Xiaoxu won the Golden Ball and Shoe.
3rd place Brazil defeated USA.
2008
USA defeated Korea DPR 2-1 in Chile.
3rd place Germany beat France 5-3.
The Golden Ball and the Golden Shoe went to Sydney Leroux of the United States.
2010
Germany defeated Nigeria in Germany.
3rd place South Korea over Colombia 1-0.
The Golden Ball and Golden Shoe awards both went to Alexandra Popp
2012
USA defeated Germany 1-0 in Japan.
3rd place Japan over Nigeria 2-1.
The Golden Ball went to Dzsenifer Marozsán of Germany, while the Golden Shoe went to Kim Un-hwa of North Korea.
2014
Germany defeated Nigeria 1-0 in extra time in Canada.
3rd place France over North Korea 3-2.
The Golden Ball and Golden Shoe awards both went to Asisat Oshoala
2016
North Korea won their 2nd title in this event by beating France in the final, 3–1.
They became the first country to win the U-20 and U-17 Women’s World Cup in the same year.
3rd place Japan beat USA 1-0.
2018
Japan defeated Spain 3-1 in France.
3rd place was 1-1 in regulation, then England defeated France 4-2 in penalties.
Patricia “Patri” Guijarro won both the Golden Ball and Shoe.
2020
Cancelled due to covid-19
2022
Spain beat Japan 3-1 in Costa Rica.
3rd place was Brazil over Netherlands.
Maika Hamano won the Golden Ball, while Imma Gabarro won the Golden Shoe.
Most medals [reaching top 4]
Most successful is Germany and USA with 3 titles each.
1st place: only 5 winners
- USA 3
- Germany 3
- North Korea 2
- Spain 1
- Japan 1
2nd place:
- Nigeria 2
- China 2
- France 1
- North Korea
- Canada 1
- Japan 1
- Germany 1
- Spain 1
3rd place:
- Germany 2
- Japan 2
- Brazil 2
- USA 1
- South Korea 1
- England 1
- France 1
4th place:
- Brazil 2
- USA 2
- France 2
- Colombia 1
- Nigeria 1
- North Korea 1
- Netherland 1
Most 1st – 4th place medals:
Of these 6 countries with the most medals, only Germany, US & Japan have won 1st.
- Germany 6
- USA 6
- Japan 4
- Brazil 4
- France 4
- North Korea 4
The benefit of kids watching games on TV
Encourage your children to watch the best young players.
This way they can build more passion for & knowledge of the game.
Both the Men’s and Women’s U-20 World Cup is a great event to watch.
The best players worldwide for this age group gives you an idea in terms of gauging yourself.
Current and former GFTskills players to know
Former GFT & North Texas Star Chioma Ubagagu, who played college Soccer at Stanford University & went on to have a successful pro career.
Samar Guidry went to University of Virginia which was consistently ranked top 4 each year. She played in the Women’s U-20 World Cup.
Maci Blackburn attends Texas Tech who made it to the sweet 16 in 2023 for the first time. She’s been called up to the U-20 national team. One of the best wing backs. She’ll most likely be drafted in the NWSL.
Samiah Phiri who could end up playing pro soccer somewhere in the world. She played 1 year at Oklahoma State and then transferred to University of Pittsburg.
Oli Pena one of the nations best center mids. Attends TCU. Has the ability to play at the highest level playing pro.
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