North Korea retain FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title

North Korea retained their FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title with a commanding 3–0 victory over the Netherlands in the Morocco 2025 final on Sunday. The Asian powerhouse celebrated their second consecutive championship and an unprecedented fourth overall.

The defending champions struck early, capitalizing on Dutch indecision at the back as Kim Won-sim rose highest to head home a looping cross.

Relentless pressing from Korea DPR smothered the Dutch build-up, and another turnover soon led to Pak Rye-yong doubling the advantage with a calm finish.

Before halftime, the Netherlands' struggles deepened when an under-hit back pass caused chaos at the back. Goalkeeper Maren Groothoff's hurried clearance rebounded off Ri Ui-gyong and into the net, sealing a 3–0 lead that proved unassailable.

Korea managed the second half with trademark discipline and composure, comfortably preserving their advantage to complete a flawless title defence and cap off a perfect campaign.

Stats & Records:

Record-breakers: North Korea extended their record as the most successful team in FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup history, now with four titles.

Finals dominance: Korea have triumphed in 80% of the finals they've contested, with their only defeat coming against France in 2012 (1–1, 7–6 on penalties).

European success: The Netherlands became the fifth European nation to earn a medal in the tournament, joining Spain, France, Germany, and Italy.