Women’s football is growing all around the world (finally) and it is time to take a closer look at our youth categories, simply because they are the future of the sport. Today we are talking about the South American Under-20 Women’s Football Championship.
Paraguay was the chosen host for the 12th edition of the championship, where 10 national teams competed, representing their home countries. In Group A were Paraguay, Colombia, Venezuela, Chile and Uruguay; and in Group B Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. From 4 to 28 February, 35 games were played in total and 96 goals were scored.
Brazil claimed the title with a 2-0 win against Venezuela in the final round of the hexagonal stage, continuing their dominance in the tournament’s history. Since the first edition in 2004, Brazil has been crowned champions 11 times, while Colombia won once, in 2010. The four best teams in the competition, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, and Argentina are qualified to represent South America at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, which will take place from 5 to 27 September in Poland.
Brazil has been crowned champions 11 times, while Colombia won once, in 2010.
The U-20 Calendar Scenario in South America
How about we take a look at the U-20 calendar scenario in these countries?
Brazil: There is a very well-structured U-20 national competition: the Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino Sub-20. The tournament features 24 clubs divided into six groups from all over the country, with a total of 86 matches played. The group stage begins in March and the finals take place at the end of May. In addition, some of these players also compete in the senior national league, the Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol Feminino, gaining valuable experience at the adult level.
Colombia: The country has a professional women’s league, the Liga BetPlay DIMAYOR Femenina, but there is currently no widely publicized or fully structured U-20 women’s club competition calendar. For players in this age category, the primary focus is often the continental tournament and the transition into professional senior teams.
Argentina: The Primera División A Femenina is the main national championship in the country. As a result, many young players compete directly in the senior competition throughout the season, accelerating their development by facing adult-level opposition.
Ecuador: Although there is an organized U-20 men’s championship, a structured national U-20 women’s competition has not yet been fully implemented or consolidated.
Overall, with the exception of Brazil, youth development in these countries tends to be integrated into the senior calendar and professional leagues rather than supported by structured and independent U-20 competitions. Therefore, the CONMEBOL South American Under-20 Women’s Championship represented the most significant and competitive tournament for players in this age group in South America.
youth development in these countries tends to be integrated into the senior calendar and professional leagues rather than supported by structured and independent U-20 competitions.
Latin American teams, especially Brazil and Colombia, already have a strong history of participation and competitive performances at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The expansion of qualification spots and the gradual structural development of the women’s youth system indicate a clear trend toward even stronger performances in the coming years. However, much like the broader landscape of women’s football worldwide, the region still requires greater investment, long-term planning, and institutional commitment to fully unlock its potential. The talent is undeniable, now it is a matter of providing the structure, resources, and seriousness that the women’s game truly deserves.
The talent is undeniable, now it is a matter of providing the structure, resources, and seriousness that the women’s game truly deserves.
References
- Brasil consolida domínio na CONMEBOL Sub-20 Feminina – CONMEBOL
- CONMEBOL SUB 20 Femenino. Tabla de posiciones – CONMEBOL
- CBF divulga tabela do Brasileirão Feminino Sub-20 2026, que começa em 7 de março