Spain aiming to win second U-20 Women’s World Cup title
Coach David Aznar highlights the depth of talent in Spanish football
La Rojita face Nigeria, China PR and New Caledonia in Group F
Spain has become the first nation in history to simultaneously hold the and titles – a reflection of the rude health of the Spanish game.
Following Luis de la Fuente’s side’s triumph in North America, the next opportunity to garner further global glory is already on the horizon. Spain are primed to compete at the , which is set to be contested from 5 to 27 September.
They will face Nigeria, tournament rookies New Caledonia and China PR in the group stage as they look to improve on their run to the quarter-finals at the previous edition in 2024, where familiar foes Japan defeated them after extra time.
La Rojita finished runners-up at the 2018 instalment of the in France after losing to none other than the Young Nadeshiko in the final, although Patri Guijarro took home both the adidas Golden Ball and adidas Golden Boot. The likes of Ona Batlle, Aitana Bonmati and Cata Coll also featured in that squad. Four years later, Spain lifted the trophy for the first time after overcoming the Japanese 3-1 in the final. Inma Gabarro, who received the adidas Silver Ball and adidas Golden Boot, opened the scoring before struck twice in quick succession.
David Aznar is the coach tasked with leading Spain to second title title in Poland. The 46-year-old – who previously had stints at the helm of the Real Madrid and Athletic Club senior women’s sides – recently guided the team to their fifth consecutive UEFA European Women’s U-19 Championship crown.
Aznar spoke to FIFA about Spain’s prospects and ambitions at the upcoming U-20 showpiece.
David Aznar: We’re really looking forward to it. We know how important this tournament is and we’ve got a very exciting generation of players to work with. At the moment, we’re waiting for the players to begin pre-season with their clubs.
Yes, the squad’s key players are already playing top-flight football. It reflects the depth of Spain’s talent pool and the way these players are already making an impact at the highest level. We should be proud of the strength of Spanish football and excited about what the future holds.
We’re always ambitious. We’re Spain and we want to compete for everything. We’ll approach the tournament as we always do – with humility and by taking things one match at a time. That said, we believe we’ve got a competitive side and have complete faith in this group of players. We have big ambitions and will go to the World Cup determined to win it.
We’re delighted, particularly because the challenge becomes greater with each passing year. Women’s football is developing rapidly across the globe, making it increasingly difficult to stay ahead of the pack. We know we’re the team everyone wants to beat in tournaments like this; our mindset is to keep proving that we’re the best. Spain are widely admired by their rivals, especially in Europe.
This excellent spell is the result of the development of women’s football in Spain – from the initial push it received and its subsequent professionalisation to, most importantly, the tools now in place at grassroots level. The senior national team’s success – including their triumph at the Women’s World Cup in 2023 – has also driven a huge rise in the number of registered players. Spain is a country with a great deal of talent. We’re a fiercely competitive nation and enter every tournament believing we can win it.
There are many statistics that underline the fantastic work being done. Maintaining that level of consistency is a significant achievement. We’re developing players in a culture of success, which will leave them better equipped to sustain these achievements when they reach the senior national sides.
Holding both the men’s and women’s world titles at the same time is a triumph for Spanish football as a whole and a testament to the country’s talent-development system. What stands out most to others is the clear structure we have in place. Here, talented players progress through each stage of the pathway until they reach the highest level.
Sources: FIFA Official
