U.S. ousted from U20 Women's World Cup in shootout loss to Brazil - ESPN

The United States was eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2026 U20 Women's World Cup on Wednesday after falling to Brazil 5-4 in a shootout. The teams played to a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes.

The result leaves the United States without a U20 Women's World Cup title since 2012 (this being the sixth edition of the tournament since) and underscores senior U.S. women's national team head coach Emma Hayes' concerns about the country's player development pipeline.

Brazil poured on pressure to start the second half and opened the scoring in the 59th minute when Sofia got her head on a cross from Clarinha after Brazil's short corner. Sofia redirected the ball to the back post to beat United States goalkeeper Caroline Birkel.

The United States equalized four minutes later when Ainsley McCammon's shot from outside the penalty area took a slight deflection to beat Brazil goalkeeper Thaís Lima.

Forward Alex Buck nearly gave the U.S. the lead in the 80th minute when her shot on a rebound hit off the post. U.S. midfielder Linda Ullmark had the best opportunity in extra time for either team when she got in behind Brazil's defense in the 111th minute, but Ullmark pushed her right-footed shot wide of the far post.

Brazil put only two shots on goal through 120 minutes. The United States dominated long stretches of the match but failed to convert on their opportunities.

Emeri Adames had her shot saved in the first penalty of the shootout before all nine subsequent takers converted their opportunities.

The Americans had only advanced to the round of 16 as a third-place team in the 24-team tournament. They defeated New Zealand 9-0 in their final group game after opening the tournament with a shocking loss to Italy, who had not previously