By Abubakar Ojima-ojo Yunusa
Spain defeated North Korea 4-3 on penalties on Sunday to win the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The final at the National Stadium in Warsaw ended goalless after 120 minutes before Spain prevailed in the decisive shootout.
Both sides produced a tense and tactical contest, cancelling each other out throughout regulation and extra time.
Spain held their nerve from the spot, converting four penalties to deny North Korea and claim the world title.
The triumph capped a remarkable campaign for La Rojita, who went through the tournament without losing a match.
Spain topped Group F with maximum points, scoring 16 goals and conceding only once in three matches.
Their group-stage campaign included an emphatic 11-0 demolition of New Caledonia and a 3-1 victory over China.
Spain continued their impressive run in the knockout stages.
They defeated Portugal 2-0 in the round of 16 before edging Brazil 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
La Rojita then secured a 2-0 victory over Italy in the semi-finals to book their place in the final.
North Korea had also enjoyed a strong campaign before the final.
The Asian side topped Group E with three victories without conceding a goal.
However, Spain proved more composed when the championship was eventually decided from 12 yards.
The victory further strengthens Spain’s status in women’s youth football, adding another FIFA title to their growing collection.
North Korea settled for the silver medal after their dramatic defeat in the shootout.
