While it was Spain that emerged victorious on the field at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has identified the enormous efforts of the host nation Costa Rica in coordinating the tournament, together with the support of the local population, as key elements in the success of the entire event. “Congratulations to Spain for having won the tournament and to all the teams who participated in a wonderful competition in Costa Rica,” the FIFA President Gianni Infantino said following Spain’s 3-1 defeat of Japan at the Estadio Nacional in San José. In so doing, Spain ended Japan’s nine-match undefeated run in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with the Young Nadeshiko’s last loss being a 1-0 defeat against Spain in the group stage at France 2018.

However, Spain were not the only victors on a night as Costa Rica displayed its love for the beautiful game to a global audience, a fact not lost on the FIFA President. “I would like to thank the President of Costa Rica, the country's authorities and the Costa Rican Football Federation for all their cooperation and excellent level of organisation,” the FIFA President added. “But I want to leave a very special word of thanks and praise to the people of Costa Rica. Once again they proved that their passion and true love for the game is second to none.

“Today we had a record attendance in the final and the home team was not even playing. Nevertheless, and despite the rain, the spectators created a wonderful atmosphere inside and outside the stadium. Everyone I met was deeply impressed by the hospitality and kindness of the people of this beautiful country. That is also why FIFA events will keep coming back to the country of Pura Vida.”