Spain has emerged as the champion of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, defeating DPR Korea 4-3 on penalties in the final match held in Łódź on September 27, 2026. The match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of play, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but unable to capitalize. Laia López, the Spanish goalkeeper, made crucial saves to deny DPR Korea, while Pak Ju Gyong kept her team alive with a string of impressive saves.
The final match was a meeting of two undefeated teams, with Spain having scored 21 goals and conceded only one through six matches, while DPR Korea had scored 16 goals and maintained a clean sheet throughout the tournament. The Spanish team dominated possession, finishing with 69% and 22 shots on goal, but DPR Korea's defense held strong until the penalty shootout.
The penalty shootout saw Ho Kyong score first for DPR Korea, but Marisa García equalized for Spain. Laia López then made a crucial save from Choe Yon A, while Celia Segura, Carla Julià, and Daniela Agote converted their penalties for Spain. DPR Korea's Jon Il Chong made it 3-3, but Agote put Spain ahead 4-3, and López saved Pak Il Sim's kick to secure the win.
The Spanish team's victory marks their second U-20 Women's World Cup title, with their first win coming in Costa Rica four years earlier. The team's success is part of a broader period of dominance in Spanish football, with the senior men's team winning the FIFA World Cup in the United States in July 2026. The women's team also won the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Spain's youth system has been instrumental in their success, with several players from the U-20 team having already won titles at the senior level. The team's Golden Glove award went to Laia López, while Pau Comendador took the Golden Boot with six goals. Rosalía Domínguez was named player of the tournament.
The Spanish team's victory in Łódź is the latest expression of a national project that has seen them simultaneously hold the men's World Cup, women's World Cup, men's European Championship, Women's Nations League, men's and women's under-19 European titles, and now the U-20 Women's World Cup.
The win also marks a personal triumph for several Spanish players, including López, Comendador, Domínguez, and others who have now won multiple titles. The team's success is a testament to the strength of Spanish football and its ability to produce talented players across different age groups.
Key points
- Spain defeats DPR Korea 4-3 on penalties to win the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup title.
- The Spanish team's victory marks their second U-20 Women's World Cup title.
- Laia López was awarded the Golden Glove, while Pau Comendador took the Golden Boot with six goals.
