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 and underscores senior U.S. women's national team head coach Emma Hayes' concerns about the country's player development pipeline.

Brazil opened the scoring in the 59th minute when Sofia headed in a cross from Clarinha. The United States equalized four minutes later through Ainsley Mc Cammon. Alex Buck hit the post in the 80th minute, and Linda Ullmark missed a late chance in extra time. Emeri Adames had her shot saved in the first penalty of the shootout before all nine subsequent takers converted.

The Americans had only advanced as a third-place team. Two years ago, the U.S. finished third. U20 head coach Vicky Jepson called the absence of several top players "upsetting." A group including Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn, Marta, Claire Hutton, and captain Kennedy Fuller signed a letter to FIFA urging U20 World Cups be scheduled during international windows.