North Korea's victory in the 2025 Under-17 Women's World Cup topped the front page of the country's main newspaper on Monday. The team defeated the Netherlands 3-0 in the final in Morocco to secure a second straight title and a record fourth overall. The achievement is being highlighted to inspire the populace ahead of the ruling party's congress.
North Korea's under-17 women's football team defeated the Netherlands 3-0 in the final held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, to win the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. This marked their second consecutive title and a record fourth overall, following victories in 2008, 2016, and 2024.
The North Korean players won all seven matches in the tournament, clearly demonstrating their status as the world's strongest team. Yu Jong-hyang earned the Golden Ball as the best player and the Golden Boot as top scorer with eight goals, while Kim Won-sim received the Silver Ball and Silver Boot with seven goals. North Korea became the second country to go undefeated en route to the title, after Japan's run in 2014.
The Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's most-read newspaper, featured the victory prominently on its front page in its Monday, November 10 edition. It stated that the North Korean players "dominated the match from the beginning, leaving a significant impression on football experts, fans and spectators around the world." The paper added, "The latest tournament results have brought great inspirations to the people" ahead of the country's party congress. Photos of Yu Jong-hyang and Kim Won-sim were also included.
The North's state-run news agency and main broadcasting channel covered the World Cup victory in detail, as the country appears to be using the occasion to boost internal unity. This year's event was the first annual edition, following FIFA's change from a biennial format last year to provide more opportunities for young players.
