North Korea Claims Third Title at FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with Victory Over Japan

The North Korean women’s national football team secured its third title at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, defeating Japan 1-0 in the final on September 23 at Estadio Nemesio Camacho in Bogotá, Colombia. With this victory, North Korea joined Germany and the United States with the most championships in the tournament’s history. This win marks a triumphant return to the top for North Korea, which also finished as runners-up in 2008.

Japan, seeking its first title since 2018, once again settled for second place. After falling 3-1 to Spain in the final two years ago, Japan faced North Korea in another rematch following their earlier defeat in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup final in March.

North Korea advanced to the final by narrowly defeating the heavily favored United States 1-0 in the semifinals. North Korea controlled the game from the outset of the final, netting the winning goal in the 15th minute. Following a physical battle on the right flank, Choi Il Son maneuvered past Japan’s Sasaki Rio. It delivered a left-footed shot into the net, making her the tournament’s top scorer, surpassing Japan’s Hijikata Maya and Brazil’s Natalia Benditu.

North Korea showcased a solid defensive strategy throughout the second half, while Japan struggled to create scoring opportunities. Japan increased its ball possession and attempted counterattacks but could not penetrate North Korea’s organized defense.

In the 82nd minute, Japan’s Matsukubo Manaka sent a cutback to Koyama Shinomi, whose shot was blocked by North Korean goalkeeper Chae Eun Kyung. That marked Japan’s only shot on target for the match. Japanese players began to tire as the game progressed, allowing North Korea to regain control in midfield. During stoppage time, North Korea maintained its grip on the match, and Japan failed to capitalize on any attacking chances.

North Korea finished the tournament with a perfect record, winning all seven matches, scoring 25 goals, and conceding just four. Their victory underscores their dominance in this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.