Spain have won the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after defeating defending champions DPR Korea 4-3 on penalties in a tightly contested final at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź on Sunday.
The match finished 0-0 after 90 minutes and remained goalless through extra time, forcing the final to be decided by a penalty shootout.
Spain goalkeeper Laia López emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves in the shootout. She denied efforts from Choe Yon-A and Pak Il-Sim as Spain secured their second U-20 Women’s World Cup title, following their triumph at Costa Rica 2022.
Both sides had chances during the match. López made an important save in the first half after Ho Kyong found herself with an opportunity following a mistake in Spain’s defence.
After the break, Spain increased the pressure, with Pau Comendador forcing a diving save from DPR Korea goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong in the 78th minute.
Spain also threatened during extra time, with substitute Marisa Garcia having two efforts saved by Pak.
The victory also gave Spain a measure of revenge after DPR Korea defeated them on penalties in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2024.
Spain had reached the final after defeating Italy 2-0 in the semi-finals. Daniela Agote was involved in both goals, with Elena Belli scoring an own goal before Pau Comendador added Spain’s second in the 56th minute.
DPR Korea entered the final as defending champions after winning the 2024 edition. They had also kept clean sheets in all six of their matches before the final.
DPR Korea became the first team to complete an entire FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup tournament without conceding a goal.
