Spain beats North Korea on penalties for U-20 World Cup

Spain won the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Sunday, beating defending champions North Korea 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the final remained goalless through 120 minutes. Spanish goalkeeper Laia López saved two North Korean attempts as Spain secured its second title in the competition. The final in Łódź, Poland, was scoreless at the end of regulation time and extra time. With neither side able to find a goal, the championship was decided from the penalty spot. López denied efforts from Choe Yona and Pak IlSim, helping Spain prevail in the shootout. The victory gives Spain its first U-20 Women’s World Cup title since 2022, when it won the tournament in Costa Rica. North Korea had entered the final as the defending champion after winning the 2024 edition. Spain’s win prevented it from retaining the trophy. North Korea’s campaign ended with a notable defensive record. Tournament reporting said the team did not concede a goal from open play during the competition, a distinction described as a first in the tournament’s history. The team nevertheless lost the final on penalties after holding Spain scoreless for the full 120 minutes.