Spain beat North Korea on penalties to win U-20 Women's World Cup

Spain are world champions again. La Rojita won the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Sunday, beating defending champions North Korea 4-3 on penalties after 120 goalless minutes in the final in Lodz, Poland.

Goalkeeper Laia Lopez was the hero, saving two penalties — from Choe Yon-a and Pak Il-Sim — as Spain held their nerve in the shootout to lift their second U-20 world title after their 2022 triumph in Costa Rica. FIFA president Gianni Infantino watched from the stands.

“I think it’s the happiest day of our lives,” said Spain defender Silvia Cristobal. “We’ve dreamed of being here and lifting this long-awaited trophy since we were little.”

North Korea, who had swept through the tournament as defending champions, became the first team not to concede a single goal at a Women’s Under-20 World Cup, despite the shootout defeat. “All of our players were crying and that really broke my heart,” said coach Han Chol-Hak. “They all did their best. So I’m very proud of them.”

Colombia beat Italy 4-3 on penalties earlier to claim the bronze medal.

Sources

• Associated Press (via TSN): “Spain wins Women’s Under-20 World Cup in penalty shootout with North Korea” — https://www.tsn.ca/soccer/article/spain-wins-womens-under-20-world-cup-in-penalty-shootout-with-north-korea/
• QNA (via Fana News): “Spain Crowned FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Champions” — https://www.fananews.com/language/en/spain-crowned-fifa-u-20-womens-world-cup-champions/