Spain defeated defending champions DPR Korea on penalties to win the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Lodz, Poland, after a goalless 120 minutes in the final on Sunday. The outcome was settled from the spot, with Spain goalkeeper Laia Lopez saving two penalties to become the shootout hero.
The victory gave Spain their second U-20 Women’s World Cup title, adding to their 2022 triumph in Costa Rica. It also followed the senior men’s team’s FIFA World Cup win in July, giving Spain a second global title in succession.
Both Vanguard and Punch reported that Lopez saved efforts from Choe Yon-A and Pak Il-Sim in the shootout. Punch reported the shootout ended 4-3 in Spain’s favour.
The final was a tight, low-scoring match. Lopez made a crucial intervention in the first half by coming off her line to block a shot from DPR Korea substitute Ho Kyong after the forward collected the ball just outside the area following a Spanish defensive error. Spain increased the pressure after the break, with Pau Comendador forcing a strong diving save from DPR Korea goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong in the 78th minute. Spain forward Marisa Garcia also tested Pak twice in extra time.
DPR Korea completed the tournament without conceding a goal in open play, a feat both outlets said made them the first team to do so across an entire FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The final revisited a recent youth rivalry. The match provided Spain with an opportunity for revenge after DPR Korea beat them on penalties in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final.
Reactions to the result were reported by Punch. Spain coach David Aznar described the win as the completion of “a beautiful cycle” for his players. Defender Silvia Cristobal said the squad had long dreamed of lifting the trophy. DPR Korea coach Han Chol-Hak said he was proud of his players and had tried to comfort them as they cried after the defeat.
“For us, it was a way to bring a beautiful cycle to a close with a brilliant generation that has achieved so much success at youth level, and I think the players have made a tremendous effort,” Spain coach David Aznar said in comments reported by Punch.
Punch also reported that Pau Comendador became the first player to win two adidas Golden Boot awards in different FIFA women’s youth tournaments, adding to her 2024 U-17 Golden Boot.
Match reports and tournament coverage were carried by Vanguard and Punch. Links to the full accounts appear in those reports.
Leave a comment