Spain has won the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup for the second time, defeating defending champions DPR Korea on penalties after a goalless final in Lodz, Poland. The two teams could not be separated after 90 minutes and extra time, forcing the final to be decided from the penalty spot. Spain goalkeeper Laia Lopez emerged as the hero, saving two penalties during the shootout.
The final was closely contested, with both teams creating opportunities but struggling to find the breakthrough. Lopez kept Spain in the game during the opening half when she raced off her line to block an effort from Ho Kyong with an outstretched hand. Ho had picked up the ball just outside the penalty area following a mistake by the Spanish defense.
The DPR Korea substitute had only recently entered the game, replacing Pak Ok-I in a surprise tactical change late in the first half. Spain responded after the break by increasing the pressure and creating more chances. In the 78th minute, Pau Comendador came close to breaking the deadlock, but DPR Korea goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong produced an excellent diving save to keep the score level.
Neither side could find a winner before the final whistle, sending the match into extra time. Spain forward Marisa Garcia then made an immediate impact after coming on, forcing two excellent saves from Pak during the additional 30 minutes. With the score still 0-0, the title ultimately had to be decided by penalties.
Lopez stood tall for Spain, making the decisive saves to hand her country another world title. The triumph gives Spain their second FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title, following their success at the 2022 tournament in Costa Rica. It also extends Spain’s remarkable run on the global stage, with the country having now won two FIFA World Cup titles in 2026 across the senior men’s and U-20 women’s competitions.
The coaches of both teams reacted to the game, with Spain coach David Aznar expressing his happiness and pride in his team’s performance. He noted that the players had made a tremendous effort and that he was very happy to see them rewarded for all the work they had put in. DPR Korea coach Han Chol-Hak, on the other hand, expressed his pride in his team’s performance, despite their loss.
Spain defender Silvia Cristobal described the win as the happiest day of their lives, noting that they had dreamed of being in the final and lifting the trophy since they were little. The win marks a significant achievement for Spanish women’s football, with the team’s success a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches.
Key points
- Spain won their second FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title, defeating DPR Korea on penalties after a goalless final.
- Spain goalkeeper Laia Lopez saved two penalties during the shootout, emerging as the hero of the game.
- The win extends Spain’s remarkable run on the global stage, with the country having now won two FIFA World Cup titles in 2026.
