Neither side scored during 90 minutes or extra time in the final at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź. Spain goalkeeper Lopez then became the shootout’s decisive player, saving attempts by Choe Yon-A and Pak Il-Sim as Spain won 4-3 on penalties.
Both teams created chances during the match. Lopez made an important first-half save after Ho Kyong collected the ball outside the penalty area following a defensive mistake by Spain. Spain pressed harder after the break, and Pau Comendador forced North Korea goalkeeper Pak Ju-Gyong into a save in the 78th minute.
In extra time, Spain forward Marisa Garcia came close twice, but Pak stopped both attempts. With neither team finding a goal, the championship was settled from the penalty spot.
Spain claimed its second U20 Women’s World Cup title, following its 2022 victory in Costa Rica. The final was a rematch of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup decider, when North Korea beat Spain 4-3 on penalties. Several players from that match returned for the Łódź final.
North Korea reached the final unbeaten, having won every match without conceding a goal. The country also won the U17 and U20 women’s world titles in 2024.