Have you ever witnessed a football match that filled you with chills even when you had no stakes in either team? I have, and the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final between North Korea and the Netherlands was just like that—striking, sentimental, and unforgettable.
But hang on…how did a team like North Korea, from a not-so-football-famous-country become the most successful team in the history of the tournament? And how did the Netherlands, a first-time team, get to the final anyways?
Let’s take it back and start from the front.
The Beginning: A New Format, A New Era
This year’s Under-17 Women’s World Cup was noteworthy compared to past tournaments, because for the first time in history, FIFA has decided to host the event annually instead of every two years. With the event annually, young players will have additional opportunities to rise from the ranks and be seen globally while gaining experience in women’s football
The 2025 women’s world cup started today in Rabat, Morocco with 24 teams, including four that were new to the tournament. One of the teams making their inaugural appearance was, unsurprisingly, the Netherlands – the European powerhouse known for their fast-patched attacking football style.
On the other side was a calm, confident North Korean defending champion team that were all prepared to protect their title.
The Group Stage Drama
Now, this is where things got spicy. The Netherlands began their campaign with a thrilling 4-3 win against Cameroon — a total nail-biter! But soon after, they faced a setback, losing narrowly to Mexico.
Guess who they had to face next? North Korea.
That match turned out to be a turning point. Despite their strong start, the Netherlands were handed a 5-goal defeat (yes, 5️⃣ goals!) by North Korea. A red card made things even tougher for the Dutch, but somehow, they still managed to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Meanwhile, North Korea breezed through their group, winning two matches comfortably and announcing loud and clear — “We’re here to rule again!”
The Knockout Magic
The knockout stages were pure entertainment — heartbreaks, surprises, and hero moments.
The Netherlands, still recovering from that North Korean defeat, made a stunning comeback. They knocked out the United States in a penalty shootout (7-6), then stunned France in the quarterfinals with a dramatic late equalizer followed by another tense shootout victory.
They even took revenge on Mexico in the semifinals, winning 1-0 thanks to Lina Touzani’s decisive strike.
On the other hand, North Korea’s journey was pure dominance.
They crushed Morocco 6-1, overpowered Japan 5-1, and defeated Brazil 2-0 in the semifinals. Every match showed how disciplined, sharp, and technically brilliant their team was.
You could feel it — a North Korea vs Netherlands rematch in the final was destiny.
The Grand Finale in Rabat
November 8, 2025 — Olympic Stadium, Rabat.
A packed crowd, shining lights, and the tension in the air.
As the whistle blew, North Korea wasted no time. In just the 14th minute, Kim Won-sim struck the opening goal. Boom! The Dutch players barely had time to react before Pak Rye-yong doubled the lead minutes later.
The Netherlands tried to keep possession and calm the game down, but North Korea was in a different mood altogether. Just before halftime, Ri Ui-gyong made it 3-0. The scoreboard said it all — this was a masterclass.
The Dutch team fought bravely, but North Korea’s defense stood like a wall. Even Golden Boot winner Jong Hyang-yu didn’t need to score; her teammates had already sealed the deal.
When the final whistle blew, the stadium exploded with emotion.
North Korea had done it again — back-to-back champions, four-time winners, and officially the most successful team in U-17 Women’s World Cup history.
The Stars of the Tournament
Every great story has its heroes, right?
For North Korea, the spotlight shined on Yu Jong-hyang — the unstoppable forward who bagged both the Golden Ball (Best Player) and the Golden Boot (Top Scorer) with 8 goals.
Her teammate Kim Won-sim wasn’t far behind, winning the Silver Ball and Silver Boot for her 7-goal performance. The chemistry between them was electric — the kind of teamwork that turns matches into memories.
The Message Behind the Victory
It’s easy to just see the scoreline — 3-0 — and move on. But if you look closer, there’s a deeper story here.
This victory shows how discipline, teamwork, and confidence can beat even the most celebrated football nations. North Korea may not have the glitz or media spotlight that European teams enjoy, but on the field, they speak the language of football — strategy, passion, and unity.
And for the Netherlands, reaching the final in their very first U-17 World Cup was no small achievement either. They proved that women’s football in Europe is growing stronger, faster, and more inspiring than ever.
So, What Comes Next?
Will North Korea continue to dominate next year’s edition too?
Or will a new rising team break their streak?
Women’s football at the youth level is becoming more exciting every year — and that’s the best part.
Because beyond the trophies and medals, these young players are the future of global football — and they’re showing the world that dreams don’t need borders.
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Final Thoughts
From their confident start to their flawless finish, North Korea’s U-17 women’s team wrote another golden chapter in football history.
Their journey wasn’t just about winning — it was about proving what focus, courage, and teamwork can achieve.
As the trophy lifted under the Moroccan sky, one thing became clear — this isn’t just North Korea’s story; it’s the story of women’s football rising higher than ever.
