Costa Rica falls in 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup debut

Sheika Scott scored the first goal for Costa Rica in the Group E.

LODZ, Poland – Costa Rica made its 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup debut in Group E on Monday against Colombia, falling to a 3-1 final score at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź in Lodz, Poland.

Sheika Scott gave Costa Rica an early lead in the 6’, capitalizing on a ball over the opposition’s back line and goalkeeper Samantha Pitty, finding the back of the net from inside the box.

Colombia equalized in the 26’ through a penalty shot from Fernanda Viáfara.

Mariana Silva completed the comeback for Las Cafeteras in the 56’ with a finish from close range after an initial header that was stopped by Costa Rica’s goalkeeper Ashley Quesada.

Colombia rounded out the result with a strike from Catalina Cortés in the 80’.

Costa Rica will return to action on Thursday in its second Group E match, when Las Ticas return to Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź to face Korea DPR.

Post-Match Data

• Costa Rica's opening goal at 5:06 was the earliest scored by a Concacaf nation at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup since Mexico's goal against Cameroon at 2:11.
• Costa Rica recorded an expected goals (xG) total of 1.1 against Colombia, their highest in a single match across their last three FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup appearances; it was also the first time they have scored an open play goal in the competition during that period.
• Costa Rica fielded the youngest starting XI of any Concacaf nation at the current FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, with an average age of 18 years and 172 days; Nubia Medina was their youngest starter in the match at 16y and 31d