Spain have won the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after beating defending champions DPR Korea 4-3 on penalties following a goalless final in Łódź, Poland.
Neither side managed to break the deadlock during 90 minutes or extra time, forcing the title decider into a tense penalty shootout.
Spain goalkeeper Laia Lopez then emerged as the difference-maker. She saved attempts from Choe Yon-A and Pak Il-Sim to give La Rojita their second U-20 Women’s World Cup crown.
Lopez had already played a key role earlier in the match. She denied Ho Kyong in the first half after the DPR Korea player capitalised on an error by the Spanish defence.
Spain became more dangerous after the interval. Pau Comendador came close in the 78th minute, but DPR Korea goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong produced a superb save to keep the scores level.
The pressure continued into extra time, where Marisa Garcia twice tested Pak. However, the DPR Korea goalkeeper stood firm and kept her team alive.
The deadlock finally ended from the penalty spot, with Lopez’s two saves handing Spain the trophy.
The triumph gives Spain their second U-20 Women’s World Cup title, four years after their first success in Costa Rica in 2022.
For coach David Aznar, the championship capped a successful period for the Spanish youth team.
“It is a beautiful way to close a cycle with a generation that has achieved so much,” Aznar said, praising his players for their determination in a difficult final.
Spain defender Silvia Cristobal described the victory as a dream fulfilled after years of preparation.
“We have dreamed of lifting this trophy since we were little, so this is an incredibly happy and proud moment for us,” Cristobal said.
Although DPR Korea lost the final, coach Han Chol-Hak praised his players for their performance throughout the tournament.
“They gave everything they had, and I am very proud of them,” Han said after the match.
The final was also a repeat of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup decider, when DPR Korea defeated Spain 4-3 on penalties.
Despite missing out on the title, DPR Korea created history in Poland by becoming the first team to finish a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign without conceding a goal.
Spain’s Comendador also achieved an individual milestone.
The forward became the first player to win the adidas Golden Boot at two different FIFA women’s youth tournaments after previously claiming the award at the 2024 U-17 Women’s World Cup with five goals.