Spain Edge DPR Korea on Penalties to Win U-20 Women’s World Cup

Spain have won the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after defeating defending champions DPR Korea 4-3 on penalties following a goalless final in Łódź, Poland.

Neither side could find a breakthrough during 90 minutes or extra time in a closely contested encounter, forcing the championship decider to be settled from the penalty spot.

Spain goalkeeper Laia López emerged as the decisive figure, saving two penalties during the shootout to help La Rojita secure their second U-20 Women’s World Cup title.

López denied efforts from Choe Yon-A and Pak Il-Sim, while Spain converted four of their attempts to complete the victory.

The Spanish goalkeeper had already played an important role during the match, making a crucial first-half save after Ho Kyong found an opening following an error in the Spanish defence.

Spain gradually increased the pressure after the break, with Pau Comendador forcing DPR Korea goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong into an excellent save in the 78th minute.

Marisa Garcia also threatened after coming on during extra time, but Pak twice denied the Spanish forward to keep DPR Korea in contention.

The final ultimately went to penalties, where Spain held their nerve to reclaim the trophy they first won in 2022.

The victory also marked Spain’s second global title in succession, following the senior men’s team’s FIFA World Cup triumph in July.

For DPR Korea, the defeat ended their bid for back-to-back U-20 Women’s World Cup titles. The Asian side had won the previous edition in 2024 and entered the final without conceding a goal throughout the 2026 tournament.

DPR Korea also became the first team to complete an entire FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign without conceding a goal in open play.

The final was also a repeat of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final, when DPR Korea defeated Spain on penalties.

Spain’s victory in Łódź therefore reversed the result from that earlier youth final and handed the European side its second U-20 world title.