Spain have further cemented their status as a global powerhouse in women’s football after winning the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
ŁÓDŹ, POLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Spain fans celebrate after their national team defeated DPR Korea on penalties to win the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026. Photo by Kennedy Ugbodaga.
The European nation defeated DPR Korea in the final to reclaim the trophy they first won in 2022, extending an impressive run of success across different levels of international women’s football.
Spain’s rise on the global stage has been remarkable, particularly considering that they failed to qualify for the first six editions of the senior FIFA Women’s World Cup.
ŁÓDŹ, POLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Irune Alosete of Spain battles for possession with Gyong Ri of DPR Korea during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 final at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź. Photo by Kennedy Ugbodaga.
Their breakthrough came at the 2015 edition in Canada, marking the beginning of a successful period that has seen the country establish itself among the leading nations in the women’s game.
Spain first announced their arrival at youth level in 2018, winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay after defeating Mexico 2-1 in the final. The achievement marked the country’s first global women’s title.
The same year, Spain reached the U-20 Women’s World Cup final in France but lost 3-1 to Japan.
They returned stronger in 2022, winning both the U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups. The U-20 team defeated Japan 3-1 in the final in Costa Rica, while the U-17 side overcame Colombia 1-0 in India to retain their title.
ŁÓDŹ, POLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Players of Spain celebrate after defeating DPR Korea on penalties to win the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 final at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź. Photo by Kennedy Ugbodaga.
Spain’s success extended to the senior level in 2023 when they defeated England to win their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
That achievement made Spain the first nation to hold the U-17, U-20 and senior Women’s World Cup titles simultaneously.
Although they lost the 2024 U-17 Women’s World Cup final to DPR Korea on penalties, Spain maintained their competitive edge before returning to the summit at the 2026 U-20 tournament in Poland.
Their latest triumph was particularly significant as several players featured in the 2024 U-17 final against DPR Korea, giving Spain an opportunity to avenge that defeat.
ŁÓDŹ, POLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Paula Comendador of Spain controls the ball during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 final against DPR Korea at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź. Photo by Kennedy Ugbodaga.
Goalkeeper Laia López played a crucial role in the latest campaign, conceding just one goal in seven matches before producing two saves in the final penalty shootout.
Spain’s attacking talent also stood out, with Pau Comendador claiming her second Golden Boot award, alongside the Bronze Ball, while 17-year-old Rosalía Domínguez won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
With another generation of talented players emerging from their youth development system, Spain’s influence on women’s football appears set to continue.