Spain beat North Korea on penalties to win second FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title

Main points

• Spain beat North Korea 4-3 on penalties
• Spain claimed their second U-20 world title
• Colombia beat Italy to take third place

Spain won the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after beating defending champions North Korea 4-3 on penalties following a goalless final in Lodz, securing their second title in four years.

Goalkeeper Laia Lopez was decisive in the September 27 final, saving two penalties as Spain regained the trophy they first won in 2022. North Korea entered the match seeking a record fourth title after winning in 2006, 2016 and 2024.

The result leaves the United States, Germany and North Korea tied on three titles each, while Spain now have two. Japan, champions in 2018, remain the only other country to have won the competition. Spain have also reached three consecutive finals, finishing runners-up to North Korea in 2024 between their two titles.

Spain complete strong tournament

Spain went unbeaten in Poland and conceded just once across seven matches. Their knockout run included victories over Portugal, Brazil and Italy before the final against North Korea.

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The final remained goalless through normal and extra time despite chances at both ends. Lopez then saved spot kicks from Choe Yon-A and Pak Il-Sim, giving Spain the 4-3 shootout victory. North Korea still made history by becoming the first team to go through an entire FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup without conceding a goal during match play.

Spain also dominated the individual awards. Rosalia Dominguez won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, Pau Comendador took the Golden Boot after scoring six goals, and Lopez received the Golden Glove as the leading goalkeeper.

Colombia finished third after defeating Italy 4-3 on penalties in the bronze-medal match. Goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo saved two penalties as Colombia secured a historic medal after the game remained level through extra time.

The tournament produced 180 goals across 52 matches, while all six debuting teams scored at least once. Three of those newcomers also recorded a victory.