Spain and North Korea meet in Łódź with the FIFA Women’s Under-20 World Cup at stake, bringing together the competition’s last two winners and two sides that have swept through the tournament. North Korea arrive as holders, unbeaten and yet to concede; Spain have also won every match on the road to the final, allowing only one goal.
A final between recent champions
The final takes place at the Miejski LKS Łódź Stadium in Łódź, Poland, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 CET, or 17:00 in the Canary Islands.
Spain won this age-group World Cup in 2022, their only title in the category, and are chasing a second crown. North Korea have a deeper history in the competition: champions in 2006, 2016 and 2024, they are aiming to retain the trophy and secure a fourth world title.
The route to Łódź
- North Korea opened their group campaign with a 2-0 win over Portugal.
- They followed that with a 4-0 victory against Costa Rica.
- A 3-0 defeat of Colombia completed a perfect group stage.
- North Korea then beat Japan 2-0 in the round of 16.
- Canada were overcome by the same 2-0 scoreline in the quarter-finals.
- Spain began with a 2-0 success against Nigeria.
- They then recorded an 11-0 win over New Caledonia.
- Portugal were beaten 2-0 in the round of 16.
- Spain edged Brazil 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
North Korea’s record stands out for its defensive control as well as its five wins, with no goals conceded so far. Spain have been similarly relentless in results, winning each of their matches and conceding just once across six games.
Starting line-ups
Spain begin with Laia López in goal; Noa Jiménez, Silvia Cristóbal, Noe Bejarano and Aicha Camara in defence; Irune Dorado, Cris Librán, Ainoa Gómez and Rosalía Domínguez through midfield; with Alba Cerrato and Pau Comendador leading the attack.
North Korea name Pak Ju Gyong in goal. Jong Pok Yong, Ri Ye Gyong, Choe Chong Gum and Ri Kuk Hyang make up the back line, with Jon Il Chong, So Ryu Gyong, Choe Rim Jong and Ro Un Hyang in midfield. Pak Ok I and Kang Ryu Mi start up front.
For Spain, this is a chance to turn a flawless run into another global title. For North Korea, it is an opportunity to underline their status as the holders by adding another chapter to the most successful record in this competition.
