Laia López saves two spot-kicks as Spain lift their second world title after a goalless final in Łódź
ŁÓDŹ, Poland September 27, 2026 — Spain were crowned FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup champions on Sunday after defeating defending champions DPR Korea 4–3 on penalties following a 0–0 draw after extra time.
Goalkeeper Laia López was the hero of the final, saving two penalties in the shootout, including DPR Korea’s decisive final attempt, to secure Spain’s second title in the competition.
The final brought together two of the tournament’s strongest teams and quickly developed into a battle of patience and defensive discipline. DPR Korea arrived in Łódź having not conceded a goal throughout the tournament, while Spain had allowed only one.
DPR Korea created one of the better chances of the first half when Ho Kyong broke through after a Spanish defensive mistake, but López came quickly off her line to make an important save.
Spain increased the pressure after the break. Tournament leading scorer Pau Comendador forced goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong into a sharp stop in the 78th minute, while substitute Marisa García twice went close during extra time. Still, neither side could find a breakthrough.
The championship was eventually decided from the penalty spot. García, Celia Segura, Carla Julià and Daniela Agote all converted for Spain, while López denied Choe Yon-A before saving Pak Il-Sim’s final kick to end the contest.
The victory gave Spain their second U-20 Women’s World Cup title, following their triumph in 2022.
Spain finished the tournament with 21 goals scored and only one conceded, underlining the balance that carried them through the competition. Their campaign included an emphatic 11–0 victory over New Caledonia, followed by knockout wins over Portugal, Brazil and Italy.
DPR Korea, meanwhile, completed a remarkable tournament without conceding a goal in regulation or extra time. Penalty shootout goals are not counted in official match statistics.
The final attracted 8,047 spectators at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź, while Spain defender Silvia Cristóbal was named Player of the Match.
Comendador finished the tournament with six goals, while Colombia claimed third place after beating Italy on penalties in the bronze-medal match.
For Spain, the night ended with another world title. For DPR Korea, it ended in heartbreak after one of the strongest defensive campaigns in the tournament’s history.
Final: Spain 0–0 DPR Korea after extra time; Spain won 4–3 on penalties.
