United States eliminated in U-20: concerns over 2026 world succession

The United States exited the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in the round of 16 on Wednesday, defeated on penalty kicks by Brazil (5-4 after 1-1) in Katowice, Poland. This is the third penalty shootout elimination for a U.S. youth team since last October, following the U-17 boys and girls. American development programs are going through a critical period, with potential consequences for the player pool available for the 2026 senior World Cup hosted in North America.