Sports · Football · 2 hrs ago
Japan reach U-17 Women's World Cup final after late equaliser and shootout win
Japan's under-17 women's team reached the World Cup final by beating North Korea in a semi-final in Morocco.
North Korea, the two-time defending champion, took the lead in the second half and had been Japan's opponent in a one-sided Asian Cup final in May.
Japan equalised with an own goal on the last play after goalkeeper Koko Kadewaki sent a free kick into the penalty area.
The teams were level 1-1 after 90 minutes, so the match went straight to a penalty shootout.
Japan won the shootout 4-1, with all four of its penalty takers scoring and Kadewaki saving one North Korean attempt.
North Korea hit the post with another kick, while Japan had been outshot 18-4 during the match.
Japan will play the final on November 7 for a chance to win its second under-17 women's world title.
Japan reached the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final after drawing 1-1 with North Korea and winning the penalty shootout 4-1.
Japan equalised with an own goal in the final play of stoppage time after North Korea had taken the lead in the second half.
Japan converted all four of its penalties, while North Korea missed two.
Japan will face the final on November 7, with the match scheduled for 3:30 a.m. Japan time on November 8.
- Who
- Japan’s U-17 women’s team and North Korea’s U-17 women’s team.
- What
- Japan drew 1-1 and won 4-1 in the penalty shootout to reach the final.
- When
- November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Morocco. The specific venue is not stated.
- Why
- The teams were competing in the tournament semi-final; Japan advanced by winning the penalty shootout.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Japan and North Korea played the tournament semi-final in Morocco.
North Korea took the lead through Ri Ui-gyong.
Japan equalised after a free kick led to a North Korean own goal.
Japan won the penalty shootout 4-1 and advanced to the final.
The final was scheduled to take place; another report gave its kick-off as 3:30 a.m. Japan time on November 8.
- Semi-final score
- 1-1 after 90 minutes
- Penalty shootout
- Japan won 4-1
- Equaliser
- North Korean own goal in stoppage-time final play
- Tournament location
- Morocco
- Final
- Scheduled for November 7; 3:30 a.m. Japan time on November 8
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What people are saying
The football gods smiled on Japan
It was worth staying up late
I can’t believe it