Spain Beat Nigeria 2-0 in U20 World Cup Opener

Spain opened their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign with a controlled 2-0 victory over Nigeria on Monday at Arena Sosnowiec in Poland.

Goals from Marisa Garcia and Alba Cerrato secured the three points for the 2022 champions in Group F.

Spain dominated possession from the start. In the 13th minute, Noe Bejarano delivered a dangerous cross from the right.

Nigerian goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma and her defence failed to clear, allowing Garcia to tap the ball into an empty net for the opener.

Nigeria, known as the Falconets, struggled to create clear chances in the first half. Their first notable effort came late in the period when Kafayat Mafisere shot wide from distance.

Spain continued to control the tempo with patient build-up play and aggressive pressing that limited Nigeria’s transitions.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Spain kept the ball and looked for openings while Nigeria made substitutions, including Precious Oscar and Victory Lucky, in an attempt to inject energy. The second goal arrived in the 73rd minute.

After a recovery in midfield, Irune Dorado found Rosalía Domínguez, who set up Alba Cerrato. The Fiorentina forward finished clinically past Uzoma at the near post.

Spain coach David Aznar later said the result was important. “Winning the first match at a tournament of this level is always positive because it means that your destiny remains in your own hands,” he noted.

Nigeria coach Moses Aduku’s side showed determination but lacked the final precision against a well-organised Spanish defence.

Yellow cards were shown to Precious Oscar and Victory Lucky.

The result leaves China PR top of Group F after their 5-0 win over New Caledonia earlier in the day. Spain sit second on goal difference, while Nigeria occupy third place with work still to do.

Spain next face New Caledonia on Thursday.

Nigeria will look to bounce back against China PR in their second group match the same day.

The Falconets, twice runners-up at this tournament, need points to keep their knockout hopes alive.

Spain’s possession-based style and clinical finishing set an early marker in Poland.

The Group F race remains open as the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup continues.