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

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Spain defeated defending champions DPR Korea on penalties to win the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 after a goalless final in Lodz on Sunday.

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The two sides could not be separated after 120 minutes in a tightly contested final, forcing the championship to be decided by a penalty shootout.

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Spain goalkeeper Laia Lopez emerged as the hero, saving two penalties as La Rojita secured their second U-20 Women’s World Cup title after their triumph in Costa Rica in 2022.

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Lopez saved efforts from Choe Yon-A and Pak Il-Sim to give Spain the decisive advantage in the shootout.

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The victory also marks Spain’s second global title in succession, following the senior men’s team’s FIFA World Cup triumph in July.

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Spain had to rely on Lopez earlier in the match, with the goalkeeper making an important intervention in the opening half.

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She came off her line to block an effort from Ho Kyong after the DPR Korea substitute picked up the ball just outside the area following a mistake by the Spanish defence.

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Ho had been introduced for Pak Ok-I late in the first half in a surprise tactical change by the defending champions.

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The contest remained evenly balanced after the break, although Spain began to apply greater pressure.

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In the 78th minute, Pau Comendador forced a strong diving save from DPR Korea goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong.

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Spain forward Marisa Garcia also came close after being introduced during extra time, but Pak twice denied her with impressive

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saves.

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With neither side able to find a breakthrough, the final went to penalties.

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The shootout provided Spain with an opportunity for revenge after DPR Korea defeated them 4-3 on penalties in the final of the

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FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024.

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Lopez’s two saves ultimately proved decisive as Spain lifted the trophy in Lodz.

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DPR Korea, meanwhile, finished the tournament without conceding a goal in open play, becoming the first team to achieve that feat across an entire FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup tournament.

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