Infantino watches as Spain wins Women's Under-20 World Cup in penalty shootout with North Korea
Spain's Cristina Libran, front, lifts the trophy after the Women's U20 World Cup final soccer match between Spain and North Korea in Lodz, Poland, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. Credit: AP/Beata Zawrzel
ŁÓDŹ, Poland — Spain added to its burgeoning haul of global soccer titles after winning the Women’s Under-20 World Cup on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Laia López saved two penalties in a 4-3 shootout win over defending champion North Korea in the final.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino watched in Łódź, Poland as López saved spot kicks from Choe Yon-a and Pak Il-Sim in the shootout after the game had ended 0-0.
“I think it’s the happiest day of our lives,” Spain defender Silvia Cristobal said. “We’ve dreamed of being here and lifting this long-awaited trophy since we were little.”
Spain’s senior women’s and men’s teams are also the current holders of their respective World Cup titles.
It’s the second Women’s Under-20 World Cup title for Spain after winning in 2022.
Despite the shootout loss, North Korea became the first team not to concede a single goal at a Women’s Under-20 World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses for photos with volunteers after the Women's U20 World Cup final soccer match between Spain and North Korea in Lodz, Poland, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. Credit: AP/Beata Zawrzel
“All of our players were crying and that really broke my heart. So I tried to comfort them,” North Korea coach Han Chol-Hak said. “And as the head coach, I think that they all did their best. So I’m very proud of them.”
Colombia beat Italy 4-3 on penalties to win the bronze medal match.
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