USYNT sees defeat in 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup debut 

Micayla Johnson scored the goal for the USYNT in Group D.

LODZ, Poland – The USYNT made their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup debut in Group D on Sunday against Italy, seeing defeat after a 1-2 score at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź in LODZ, Poland.

The United States wasted no time in starting the goal count after Micayla Johnson was ready in the box to receive an assist from Emeri Adames, sending the ball to the back of the net with a left foot shot in the 18’.

Italy found an equalizer before the end of the first half, in the 40’, Paola Fadda finding space between the North American defense in the box to even things out for the European side.

The Azzurri completed the comeback in the 59’ after Giada Cimo sent a right foot shot past USYNT goalkeeper Caroline Birkel from the center of the box.

The United States will look for their first win in Group Dwhen they go back to the Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź in LODZ to face Japan on Wednesday.

Post-Match Data

• The United States recorded 57% possession and an 86% passing accuracy against Italy, both representing their highest figures against a European opponent in the last four editions of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
• United States' Áven Álvarez completed 91.8% of her passes against Italy today; this is the second-highest passing accuracy by any player to attempt 85 or more passes in the current FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
• At 18 years and 231 days old, Micayla Johnson is the youngest player to score in a FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup match since Alyssa Thompson (17 years and 277 days) netted against Ghana in 2022.