Spain edge DPR Korea on penalties in Lodz final
Spain claimed the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup by defeating defending champions DPR Korea 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a goalless final in Lodz, Poland, on Sunday. Goalkeeper Laia Lopez was the standout in the shootout, stopping attempts from Choe Yon-A and Pak Il-Sim to give La Rojita their second title at this level. Neither team could break the deadlock across 90 minutes and extra time, leaving penalties to decide the trophy.[S1][S2]
Lopez had already been crucial in normal time, rushing off her line to deny Ho Kyong after the DPR Korea substitute pounced on a Spanish defensive error just outside the box. After the interval, Spain pushed harder and Pau Comendador forced a fine diving save from DPR Korea goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong in the 78th minute. In extra time, Marisa Garcia also threatened, but Pak made two stops to keep the match level.[S1]
Spain's second U-20 crown and DPR Korea's record
The victory delivered Spain's second U-20 Women's World Cup, adding to their 2022 triumph in Costa Rica. It also continued a remarkable run of global success: Spain's senior men's team won the FIFA World Cup in July, and the senior women's team are also current world champions. DPR Korea, meanwhile, made history in Poland by becoming the first side to complete a U-20 Women's World Cup without conceding a single goal.[S1][S2]
The final was a rematch of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup final, which DPR Korea won 4-3 on penalties against Spain. Spain forward Pau Comendador also became the first player to claim two adidas Golden Boot awards in two different FIFA women's youth tournaments, having previously won the honour at the 2024 U-17 Women's World Cup with five goals. In the bronze-medal match, Colombia beat Italy 4-3 on penalties.[S1][S2]
Reaction from coaches and players
Spain coach David Aznar described the title as the close of a beautiful cycle for a brilliant generation that has achieved much at youth level. He praised his players' tremendous effort and said he was very happy for them, especially to see them rewarded for their work in a very tough and difficult match. Spain defender Silvia Cristobal said it was the happiest day of their lives, noting they had dreamed of lifting the long-awaited trophy since childhood and felt incredibly happy and proud.[S1][S2]
DPR Korea coach Han Chol-Hak said he was proud of his players despite the defeat. He recounted that after the game all of his players were crying, which broke his heart, and that he tried to comfort them. As head coach, he felt they had all done their best. FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the final in Lodz.[S1][S2]
