South American Success Stories at U-20 Women's World Cup

The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026™ is fast approaching, with four South American teams set to compete for the title. Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia will aim to build on their previous tournament experiences, while Ecuador are preparing for their debut appearance.

Across the previous 11 editions, CONMEBOL representatives have delivered memorable performances, introduced some of women's football's biggest stars to the global stage, and achieved results that have significantly boosted the sport's development in their home countries. FIFA looks back at five of the most notable moments for South American teams in the tournament's history.

Brazil: The Pioneers of South American Success

Brazil are the only CONMEBOL representative to have participated in every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. The Canarinha have reached the semi-finals on four occasions and remain the only South American outfit to have won a medal in the competition.

Their prominence began with the tournament's inception. Brazil finished fourth at both Canada 2002 and Thailand 2004 before finally securing their first medal at Russia 2006. After a narrow semi-final defeat to Korea DPR, the Seleção drew 0-0 with the USA in the third-place play-off and emerged victorious 6-5 in a lengthy penalty shootout.

The South American side endured a 16-year wait before clinching another medal. At Costa Rica 2022, Brazil delivered an outstanding campaign, only falling to Japan in the semi-finals. In the third-place play-off, they defeated the Netherlands 4-1, with Tarciane scoring twice, including a spectacular bicycle kick. The defender was also awarded the adidas Bronze Ball as the tournament's third-best player. That victory gave Brazil their second medal and reinforced their status as South America's leading side in the competition's history.

Marta's Early Brilliance

Long before becoming one of the greatest footballers of all time, Marta began showcasing her talent at the inaugural edition of the tournament. She was only 16 when she travelled to Canada 2002 – when it was still an U-19 tournament – with a Brazil side that reached the semi-finals. The forward scored six goals, finished among the leading scorers, and received the adidas Silver Ball. Her speed, ability to bypass opponents, and eye for goal immediately stood out on the world stage.

Two years later, Marta returned to guide Brazil to fourth place at Thailand 2004. She registered three goals and was named the tournament's best player, becoming the first – and so far only – CONMEBOL representative to win the Golden Ball at the U-20 women's global showpiece. Those two campaigns marked the international arrival of a footballer who would go on to become the all-time leading scorer at the FIFA Women's World Cup™, with 17 goals.

Colombia's Historic Run in 2010

Colombia's first appearance at a FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup surpassed all expectations. They travelled to Germany 2010 with a squad led by Yoreli Rincon and advanced to the knockout stage after finishing second behind the hosts. In the quarter-finals, they produced one of the most significant results in South American competition history by defeating Sweden 2-0, becoming the second CONMEBOL representative to reach the semi-finals, following in Brazil's footsteps.

Nigeria ended their hopes of reaching the final with a narrow 1-0 victory. Las Chicas Superpoderosas then suffered another 1-0 reversal, this time against Korea Republic in the third-place play-off, but returned home from their first World Cup with a historic fourth-place finish.