WK League News

Korea’s U-17 national team picked up a point in their first group stage match at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which began last week in Morocco thanks to a late equaliser from the spot.

Managed by Go Hyunbok, the future stars of Korean women’s football lined up against Côte d’Ivoire on Sunday at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé. Korea conceded a goal within two minutes when Cote d’Ivoire launched a counterattack with keeper Kim Chaebeen dangerously high up the pitch, well outside of her box. Nsira Ouedraogo took advantage of the open goal to score with ease and leave Korea chasing for most of the game.

Korea got their chance to equalise late in the second half when Ivorian keeper Rosine Kela made a dangerous tackle on Baek Seoyeong and, after a video review, a penalty kick was awarded. Jang Yeyun of Ulsan Hyundai High School stepped up to the spot and sent the ball cleanly past Kela and into the back of the net. With six minutes of added time due to the video review, both teams desperately sought another goal. As the final whistle approached, Baek Seoyeong came close to snatching a winner for Korea, but Kela managed to block the shot and the match ended 1-1. Pohang Electronic Girls’ High School midfielder Han Gukhee was named Player of the Match.

Elsewhere, Spain scored a decisive 4-0 victory over Colombia to go to the top of Group E. Korea are set to face the group leaders this Thursday before taking on Colombia on Saturday. The squad will be looking to pick up points against these formidable opponents to secure their place in the knockout competition. The group winners and runners-up will all progress to the next stage, along with the four best third-placed teams.

Korea U-17 Women’s National Football Team (2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup)