Spain won the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup by defeating DPR Korea 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in the final held in Łódź, Poland. The match was a tightly contested one, with neither side able to find a goal during 90 minutes or extra time. Spain goalkeeper Laia Lopez was the hero of the shootout, saving penalties from Choe Yon-A and Pak Il-Sim to secure the win for La Rojita.
The final was a repeat of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final, when DPR Korea defeated Spain 4-3 on penalties. DPR Korea also made history in Poland by becoming the first team to complete a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup tournament without conceding a goal. Despite their defeat, DPR Korea coach Han Chol-Hak was proud of his players, saying they had done their best.
Spain’s victory marked their second U-20 Women’s World Cup title, following their 2022 success in Costa Rica. It also means Spain have won a second global title in succession after their senior men’s team won the FIFA World Cup in July. Spain forward Pau Comendador became the first player to win two adidas Golden Boot awards in two different FIFA women’s youth tournaments.
Lopez had earlier kept Spain in the game during the first half, coming off her line to block an effort from Ho Kyong after the DPR Korea substitute picked up the ball just outside the area following a mistake by the Spanish defence. Spain increased the pressure after the break, with Pau Comendador forcing an excellent diving save from DPR Korea goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong in the 78th minute.
Marisa Garcia also threatened for Spain in extra time, with Pak making two saves to deny the forward. The final was eventually settled by penalties, with Lopez saving twice to secure the trophy for Spain. Spain coach David Aznar said the title completed “a beautiful cycle” for his players, who had made a tremendous effort to get this far.
Spain defender Silvia Cristobal said the players had dreamed of lifting the trophy from a young age. “I think it’s the happiest day of our lives. We’ve dreamed of being here and lifting this long-awaited trophy since we were little. And, well, we’re incredibly happy, extremely proud of the result and of everything we’ve achieved,” Cristobal said.
DPR Korea coach Han Chol-Hak was emotional after the game, saying his players were crying and that it had broken his heart. He tried to comfort them, saying he was very proud of them. The victory marked a successful tournament for Spain, who had worked hard to get to the final.
Key points
- Spain won their second U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
- DPR Korea made history by completing a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup tournament without conceding a goal.
- Pau Comendador became the first player to win two adidas Golden Boot awards in two different FIFA women’s youth tournaments.
