U-20 Women’s WC triumph: Spain make it two global titles in succession

It took a penalty shootout to separate the two best teams at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026 and Spain goalkeeper Laia Lopez emerged the hero after making two saves in the final shootout in Lodz.

Spain and defending champions DPR Korea could not be separated in a tightly-contested decider in which no goals were scored. The game went to penalties, where Lopez saved efforts from Choe Yon-A and finally Pak Il-Sim as La Rojita claimed their second U-20 showpiece title following their triumph at Costa Rica 2022.

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It is also the second global title in succession for Spain, whose senior men's team won the FIFA World Cup 2026 in July.

In an evenly-fought clash, Lopez came to her side's rescue in the opening half when she came off her line to block an effort from Ho Kyong with an outstretched hand after the Korean substitute picked up the ball just outside the area following a mistake by the Rojita defence.

Ho had just come on for Pak Ok-I, who has been one of DPR Korea's star players during the tournament, late in the first half as a surprise tactical switch.

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The balanced nature of the contest continued after the break, with Spain piling on the pressure. In the 78th minute, Pau Comendador forced an excellent diving save from Korean goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong.

Spain forward Marisa Garcia made her presence felt shortly after coming into the field in extra time, where she had two excellent efforts brilliantly saved by Pak.

Many of these players on the field in Lodz took part in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024 final when DPR Korea won 4-3 on penalties. Spain secured a sense of revenge as Lopez completed her glove story to continue La Rojita's long-standing dominance of women's football.

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What they said

"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. I’m very happy for them, above all to see them happy and to see them rewarded for all the work they have put in to get this far and for the effort they made in this match. It was a very tough, very difficult match, and they made things extremely difficult for us.”

David Aznar, Spain coach

"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."

Silvia Cristobal, Spain defender

"After the game was all over, all of our players were crying and that really broke my heart. So I tried to comfort them. And as the head coach, I think that they all did their best. So I'm very proud of them."

Han Chol-Hak, DPR Korea coach

Key stats

DPR Korea have become the first team to not concede a single goal during a whole FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup tournament.

Spain's Pau Comendador is first player to win two adidas Golden Boot awards in two different FIFA women's youth tournaments, having lifted her first trophy at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024 with five goals.