Spain start U-20 Women’s World Cup with victory over Nigeria

Spain opened their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Nigeria’s Falconets in Group F on Monday.

Marisa Garcia scored in the first half before Alba Cerrato added a second after the interval to give Spain three points in their opening fixture.

The result leaves Spain second in the group, behind China, who began their campaign with a 5-0 win against New Caledonia earlier on Monday.

Spain imposed themselves from the start and created several opportunities during the opening stages. Nigeria were indebted to goalkeeper Ineoma Uzoma, who made a series of saves to keep the score level.

However, Spain’s pressure eventually brought a reward in the 13th minute. Garcia completed a strong attacking move by meeting Noe Bejarano’s run and cross to put the European side ahead.

The Falconets gradually found a foothold in the match and looked most dangerous when they were able to break forward quickly. They came close to an equaliser when Folajomi Olabiyi found herself in a one-on-one position, but Spain goalkeeper Laia Lopez reacted well to deny her.

Nigeria were unable to turn that opportunity into a goal, and Spain maintained their advantage into half-time.

Cerrato then doubled Spain’s lead in the 73rd minute with a left-footed effort that beat Uzoma at her near post. The goal effectively settled the contest and ensured Spain made a winning start to the tournament.

The Falconets will now turn their attention to their second Group F match, when they face China on Thursday, 10 September.

Nigeria entered the competition hoping to begin with a positive result, but Spain’s control of the game and ability to convert their chances proved decisive. Uzoma’s early saves kept the match close, while Nigeria’s best opening was contained by Lopez before Spain secured the points with Cerrato’s second-half strike.

China currently occupy top spot after their emphatic win over New Caledonia, with Spain in second place following their victory over Nigeria. The Falconets will need to respond against China as they look to recover from their opening defeat and improve their position in the group.