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| Photo Credit — Spain U-20 Women players celebrating World Cup Win |
Spain secured their second FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup crown on Sunday, defeating defending champions Democratic People’s Republic of Korea 4-3 on penalties after a tense 0-0 draw through 120 minutes in Łódź, Poland.
Goalkeeper Laia López was the decisive figure. She made two saves in the shootout, denying Choe Yon-A and Pak Il-Sim, to give La Rojita the trophy. The victory marks Spain’s second title in the competition, following their 2022 success in Costa Rica, and continues a strong period for Spanish football on the global stage.
Match summary
Neither side managed a goal in regular time or extra time in a closely contested final. In the first half, López produced an important intervention when she rushed off her line to block a chance from DPR Korea substitute Ho Kyong after a Spanish defensive error.
Spain grew into the game after the break. Pau Comendador forced a strong diving save from DPR Korea goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong in the 78th minute. During extra time, Marisa García threatened on multiple occasions, but Pak produced two important stops to keep the contest level.
The match went to penalties, where López’s two saves proved decisive. Spain converted their kicks to claim the title.
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Historical context and significance
This final echoed the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup decider, in which DPR Korea beat Spain 4-3 on penalties. Spain’s latest success adds to their recent youth and senior achievements. It also comes shortly after the senior men’s team’s World Cup win earlier in 2026.
DPR Korea made history in Poland by becoming the first team to complete an entire FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign without conceding a goal in open play. Despite the final defeat, their defensive record stood out.
Spain forward Pau Comendador achieved a notable individual milestone, becoming the first player to win adidas Golden Boot awards at two different FIFA women’s youth tournaments. She previously claimed the award at the 2024 U-17 event.
Reactions
Spain coach David Aznar described the win as the close of a strong cycle for a talented group of players. He praised their effort in a difficult match and expressed happiness at seeing them rewarded for their work.
Defender Silvia Cristobal called it one of the happiest days of the players’ lives, noting they had dreamed of lifting the trophy since childhood and felt proud of the achievement.
DPR Korea coach Han Chol-Hak said he was proud of his players despite the result. He noted the emotional impact of the loss and tried to console the team, emphasizing that they had given their best.
Looking ahead
Spain’s success underscores the depth of their women’s youth development pathway. For DPR Korea, the tournament reinforced their status as a consistent force at this level even in defeat. Both sides produced high-level performances that highlighted the competitive standard of the 2026 edition in Poland.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
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