Łódź was the setting for a momentous occasion in the history of women’s soccer. The winners of the last two editions of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™, the DPR Korea (reigning champion) and Spain (2022 champion), took the field aiming to lift the trophy once again in the 2026 edition.
In a thrilling match that remained closely contested until the final whistle, Spain defeated the DPRK 4–3 in a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw in regulation time. Thanks to a fantastic performance by their goalkeeper, the European team was crowned U-20 Women’s World Champion in front of an ecstatic crowd.
Among the guests in attendance was FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He was accompanied by Jill Ellis, FIFA’s Director General of Football, and Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s Director of Women’s Football, who also praised and congratulated the teams on the podium for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
The excitement of the final followed yesterday’s thrilling match at this same stadium, the Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź, when Colombia secured third place in another penalty shootout. In the bronze-medal match, Italy lost 3–4 to Colombia after the teams were tied 1–1 in regulation time.
The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup brings together the world’s best young female soccer players every two years and showcases a wide array of rising stars in global soccer. The next edition will take place in 2028, with host cities and other details to be announced at a later date.
