North Korea claims record Women’s World Cup title
The North Korean football team has won the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, claiming a fourth title on Saturday to become the most successful team in the competition’s history.
The final took place at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, where the North Koreans scored all three goals in the first half to seal a 3-0 victory over the Netherlands, which was making its tournament debut.
North Korea, which also won the title in 2008, 2016, and 2024, is the only country to win four championships and is the second nation to win every match on the way to the cup, following Japan’s undefeated run in 2014.
This was the first time the Under-17 Women’s World Cup was held in consecutive years after FIFA decided to make it an annual competition to provide more opportunities for young players. The 2025 edition in Morocco also featured an expanded field of 24 teams, with four nations making their debut.
The defending champions advanced to the final after a 6-1 win over hosts Morocco, a 5-1 win against Japan, and a 2-0 semifinal victory against Brazil. In Rabat, they imposed themselves from the opening whistle, using a direct attacking approach that tore through the Dutch defense. Kim Won-sim opened the scoring in the 14th minute, followed by Pak Rye-yong, and Ri Ui-gyong added a third before halftime.
The 3-0 win marked the largest margin ever recorded in a final, reaffirming the country’s dominance in women’s youth football.
North Korean players also dominated the individual awards, with Yu Jong-hyang receiving the Golden Ball as best player and the Golden Boot as top scorer with eight goals. Kim Won-sim took the Silver Ball and Silver Boot after netting seven.
