SPAIN WINS FIFA U-20 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP

Spain have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup after defeating defending champions DPR Korea on penalties in a dramatic final in Łódź, Poland.

The final, played on Sunday, September 27, ended 0–0 after 90 minutes and extra time, leaving the championship to be decided through a penalty shootout. Spain eventually prevailed 4–3, securing their second U-20 Women's World Cup title.

A TIGHTLY CONTESTED FINAL

Neither side managed to break the deadlock during a closely fought 120 minutes. Spain created several opportunities, but DPR Korea's defence and goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong prevented the European side from finding a decisive goal.

Spain goalkeeper Laia López also played an important role during the match. She made a crucial intervention in the opening half before producing her biggest contribution during the penalty shootout.

The quality and determination displayed by both teams reflected the significance of the final, with DPR Korea seeking to defend its title and Spain attempting to reclaim the trophy after previously winning the competition in 2022.

LAIA LÓPEZ BECOMES THE HERO

The decisive moment came during the penalty shootout.

López saved two DPR Korea penalties, including attempts from Choe Yon-A and Pak Il-Sim. Spain converted four of its penalties, giving the team a 4–3 victory in the shootout and sending its players into celebrations.

Her performance earned widespread attention after she became the difference between the two sides in an otherwise extremely balanced final.

The victory also marked an important achievement for a Spanish generation that has enjoyed considerable success in women's youth football.

SPAIN CLAIMS SECOND TITLE

The championship is Spain's second FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup title. The country previously won the tournament in 2022 in Costa Rica.

Spain's latest success adds another major achievement to its recent record in international women's football.

The team's route to the final included victories over Portugal, Brazil and Italy before facing DPR Korea in the championship match.

The final also carried additional significance because several players from both teams had previously faced each other in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup final, when DPR Korea won on penalties. Spain therefore entered the latest encounter with another opportunity to overcome its youth-level rival.

DPR KOREA'S REMARKABLE TOURNAMENT

Although DPR Korea finished as runners-up, the team produced an exceptional defensive record throughout the competition.

According to FIFA, DPR Korea became the first team in FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup history to complete an entire tournament without conceding a goal. Their only goals conceded came during the penalty shootout in the final.

The result ended DPR Korea's attempt to win consecutive U-20 Women's World Cup titles after their triumph in 2024.

A MEMORABLE NIGHT IN ŁÓDŹ

The 2026 final provided a fitting conclusion to a tournament showcasing some of the world's leading young female footballers.

For Spain, the victory represents another important chapter in its growing international success. For DPR Korea, the narrow penalty defeat ended an impressive campaign in which the team remained unbeaten and defensively outstanding.

Ultimately, Spain's composure from the penalty spot and López's crucial saves delivered the trophy after more than two hours of football failed to separate the two teams.

The championship will be remembered as a final decided not by an open-play goal, but by determination, goalkeeping and the pressure of the penalty shootout.