Spain have won the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after defeating North Korea 4–3 on penalties in a tense final at the National Stadium in Warsaw on Sunday.
The final remained goalless after 90 minutes and extra time, with both teams producing disciplined defensive performances and cancelling each other out despite sustained pressure.
With neither side able to break the deadlock after 120 minutes, the championship was decided by a penalty shootout.
Spain held their nerve when it mattered most, converting four penalties to edge past North Korea 4–3 and claim the U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
The triumph capped an unbeaten campaign for Spain, who impressed from the group stage through to the final.
Drawn in Group F, Spain finished top with maximum points, scoring 16 goals and conceding just once in three matches. Their group-stage campaign included an emphatic 11–0 victory over New Caledonia and a 3–1 win against China.
Spain maintained their momentum in the knockout stages, defeating Portugal 2–0 in the round of 16 before edging Brazil 1–0 in the quarter-finals.
They then secured a 2–0 victory over Italy in the semi-finals to book their place in the final against North Korea.
Throughout the tournament, Spain combined defensive organisation with efficient attacking play, finishing the competition without losing a match.
North Korea had also produced an impressive run to the final. They topped Group E with three victories without conceding a goal and carried that strong defensive record into the knockout stages.
However, their campaign ended with a silver medal after Spain prevailed in the decisive penalty shootout.
Spain’s victory further underlines their strength in women’s youth international football and adds another FIFA title to the country’s growing collection.