Dominant DPR Korea Storms into U-17 World Cup Knockouts with Perfect Group Stage Run
The DPR Korea U-17 women’s national team has powered into the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup 2025 in Morocco, securing the top spot in Group B with a flawless run of three victories.
Their latest triumph came on October 25 (Korea time) with an emphatic 5-0 victory over the Netherlands at the Mohamed $\text{VI}$ Football Academy in Salé.
The Netherlands Crushed in Goal Storm
North Korea set the pace early. Lee Kyung-im opened the scoring in the 18th minute of the first half. The match swung decisively in their favor just eight minutes later when Dutch defender Aline Birellz received a red card, reducing the Netherlands to ten players.
DPR Korea immediately capitalized on the numerical advantage, triggering a cascade of goals. A Dutch own goal extended their lead in the 35th minute. In the second half, the rout continued with Yoo Jeong-hyang netting her first in the 66th minute, followed by a strike from Ri Hyo-yang in the 81st minute, making it 4-0. Yoo Jeong-hyang then sealed the impressive victory with a penalty kick in the 86th minute, completing the 5-0 scoreline.
A Flawless Group Stage
This decisive win capped a perfect group stage performance for DPR Korea. They had previously defeated Mexico 2-0 and edged out Cameroon 2-1, accumulating the maximum nine points and clinching first place in Group B.
As they move into the Round of 16, the team—a dominant force in women’s football—will face the third-place finisher from either Group A or D.
DPR Korea is the most successful nation in the history of the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup and is currently aiming for its second consecutive title and a record fourth overall championship.
South Korea’s Qualification Hopes*
Meanwhile, their regional rival, South Korea, still has a chance to advance. Trailing at the bottom of Group E with one draw and one loss (one point) after two games, South Korea will be fighting for a spot in the Round of 16 in their crucial final group match against Colombia at 10 p.m. on the same day.
