Spain defeated defending champions DPR Korea 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw to lift the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Łódź, Poland, on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Laia Lopez emerged as Spain’s hero during the shootout, saving penalties from Choe Yon-A and Pak Il-Sim to help La Rojita secure their second title in the competition.
The final remained goalless throughout 90 minutes and extra time, with both teams producing a closely contested battle but failing to find a breakthrough.
Lopez had already played a key role before the shootout, making an important first-half intervention to deny Ho Kyong after the DPR Korea substitute capitalised on a mistake by the Spanish defence.
Spain increased the pressure after the interval, with Pau Comendador forcing DPR Korea goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong into an excellent diving save in the 78th minute.
Comendador came close again in extra time, while Pak produced two further saves to keep DPR Korea in contention and force the final to penalties.
Lopez ultimately made the difference, saving twice as Spain converted enough of their attempts to claim the trophy.
The triumph gives Spain their second U-20 Women’s World Cup title, following their success at the 2022 tournament in Costa Rica.
It also extends Spain’s recent success on the global stage, coming after the country’s senior men’s team won the FIFA World Cup in July.
Spain coach David Aznar described the victory as the completion of a successful cycle for his players.
“It was a way to bring a beautiful cycle to a close with a brilliant generation that has achieved so much success at youth level,” Aznar said.
Spain defender Silvia Cristobal said winning the trophy fulfilled a dream shared by the players since childhood.
DPR Korea coach Han Chol-Hak, meanwhile, praised his players despite their defeat, saying he was proud of their effort throughout the tournament.
The final was a repeat of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final, when DPR Korea defeated Spain on penalties.
DPR Korea also made history in Poland by becoming the first team to complete a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign without conceding a goal.
Spain forward Comendador added another piece of history by becoming the first player to win two adidas Golden Boot awards at different FIFA women’s youth tournaments, having previously claimed the honour at the 2024 U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Leave a comment