Spain defeated defending champions DPR Korea on penalties to win the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 after a goalless final in Lodz on Sunday.
Neither side could find a breakthrough after 90 minutes or extra time in a closely contested encounter, sending the final to a penalty shootout to determine the champions.
Spain goalkeeper Laia Lopez proved decisive, saving two penalties to help La Rojita secure their second U-20 Women’s World Cup title, following their triumph in Costa Rica in 2022.
Lopez denied efforts from Choe Yon-A and Pak Il-Sim as Spain gained the advantage in the shootout and eventually secured the trophy.
The victory also gives Spain a second consecutive global title, following the senior men’s team’s FIFA World Cup triumph in July.
Lopez had already played a key role during the match, producing an important save in the first half.
She raced off her line to block an effort from Ho Kyong after the DPR Korea substitute collected the ball just outside the penalty area following an error by the Spanish defence.
Ho had replaced Pak Ok-I late in the first half in a surprise tactical change by the defending champions.
The match remained evenly balanced after the interval, although Spain gradually increased the pressure.
In the 78th minute, Pau Comendador forced DPR Korea goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong into a strong diving save.
Spain forward Marisa Garcia also came close during extra time after being introduced from the bench, but Pak twice denied her with impressive stops.
With neither team able to break the deadlock, the final was decided from the penalty spot.
The shootout gave Spain an opportunity for revenge after DPR Korea defeated them 4-3 on penalties in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024.
Lopez’s two saves ultimately proved decisive as Spain lifted the trophy in Lodz.
Despite losing the final, DPR Korea completed an impressive tournament, becoming the first team to go through an entire FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup without conceding a goal from open play.
