South Korea draws France 1-1 in U-20 Women's World Cup opener

South Korea's women's national soccer team boosted its chances of reaching the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup by drawing France.

Led by head coach Park Yoon-jung, South Korea drew France 1-1 in its opening Group C match at Arena Sosnowiec in Sosnowiec, Poland, on Sunday.

South Korea took the lead through Cho Hye-young of Korea University in the 12th minute.

Han Min-seo of Korea University intercepted an opposing pass in France's half and played the ball forward to Cho, who fired a right-footed shot from the right side of the goal area.

The ball deflected off a French defender and looped over the goalkeeper into the net.

France equalized through Naolia Traore's long-range strike in the 36th minute.

South Korea and France are tied for second place in Group C.

In the other group match, Ecuador moved into first place with a 3-0 victory over Ghana.

The tournament features 24 countries divided into six groups of four. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-place teams advance to the round of 16, after which the champion is determined through a knockout tournament.

The draw against France, considered the strongest team in Group C, improved South Korea's chances of advancing to the round of 16.

South Korea's best finish at the tournament was third place at the 2010 edition in Germany.

(This article was produced with the assistance of AI. — Ed.)