Spain Women’s Under-20 World Cup Title Comes in Penalty Shootout
Spain won the Women’s Under-20 World Cup on Sunday after beating defending champion North Korea 4-3 on penalties in a final that ended 0-0 after regular play. Goalkeeper Laia López became the decisive figure, saving two spot kicks to secure Spain’s second title in the competition.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino watched the final in Łodz, Poland, where Lopez stopped penalties from Choe Yon-a and Pak Il-Sim during the shootout. The result completed another major international title for Spanish women’s football.
The Spain Women’s Under-20 World Cup title follows the country’s previous triumph in the competition in 2022. Spain’s senior women’s team and men’s team are also current holders of their respective World Cup titles.
The final offered few chances for either side, with neither team able to break the deadlock before the penalty shootout. López then produced two saves as Spain converted enough of its attempts to finish the shootout 4-3.
The Laia López penalty saves ended North Korea’s attempt to retain the trophy. The defending champions had also produced a remarkable defensive record throughout the tournament, becoming the first team in Women’s Under-20 World Cup history to complete a campaign without conceding a goal.
For Spain, the victory adds another youth title to a growing collection of international honours. Defender Silvia Cristobal described the result as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition for the players, who had dreamed of winning the trophy from a young age.
For North Korea, the final ended in disappointment despite a tournament-long defensive record. Coach Han Chol-Hak said the players had given their best and that he was proud of their performance.
The North Korea U-20 women’s team had reached the final as defending champions, but could not find a goal against Spain during the match or the decisive shootout.
Spain will leave the tournament with its second Women’s Under-20 World Cup crown, while North Korea’s unbeaten defensive record will remain one of the notable features of the competition.
In the bronze-medal match, Colombia defeated Italy 4-3 on penalties to claim third place after another match decided from the spot.