North Korea Eliminated from FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup After Penalty Shootout

The North Korean U-17 women's national soccer team saw its bid for a third consecutive FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title come to an end on Wednesday. In a tense semifinal match held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, North Korea fell to Japan in a penalty shootout after the two teams finished regulation time tied at 1-1.

North Korea, which entered the tournament as the defending champion after victories in 2024 and 2025, was unable to secure a spot in the final. The loss also prevented the team from achieving a record-extending fifth championship title. North Korea remains the most successful nation in the history of the competition, having previously won the trophy in 2008, 2016, 2024, and 2025.

The match remained scoreless throughout the first half as both teams maintained a defensive posture. The deadlock was finally broken in the 52nd minute when North Korean forward Ri Ui-gyong capitalized on a cross into the penalty area, firing a right-footed shot into the back of the net to give her team a 1-0 lead.

As the match approached its conclusion, North Korea appeared poised to advance to the final. However, in a dramatic turn of events during second-half stoppage time, a defensive miscue proved costly. While attempting to clear a final offensive push from Japan, North Korean defender Won Sol-gyong inadvertently redirected the ball into her own net, leveling the score at 1-1.

With no extra time played, the match proceeded immediately to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. Japan demonstrated composure, successfully converting all four of their penalty attempts. North Korea, conversely, struggled from the spot; while their first kicker, Ri Bok-rim, successfully scored, subsequent attempts were either saved by the Japanese goalkeeper or missed the target, resulting in a 4-1 shootout defeat.

Following the victory, Japan moves on to the final round, where they are set to face Nigeria. Nigeria secured their place in the championship match after defeating Brazil 3-1 in the other semifinal. Japan, which last won the tournament in 2014, will be competing for its second-ever U-17 title. The final is scheduled to take place on November 8.