Bogota, Colombia – North Korea have won the 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, beating Japan 1-0.
In the final match played at El Stadio El Campin in Bogota, on Sunday, North Korea dominated from start to finish with 17-year-old Choe Il-son once again the match-winner.
The Koreans, previous winners in 2006 and 2016, join Germany and USA as three-time title winners.
Choe Il-son’s goal on the quarter hour made the difference in Bogota. She also claimed the adidas Golden Boot.
Japan were suffocated by Korea’s relentless pressure and dizzying movement off the ball, surgical counters and clinical finishing.
For much of the past four weeks, there’s been a sense of inevitability about this outstanding Korean side.
As others waned physically, they improved. As confidence wavered elsewhere, Korea rose. One-by-one they slayed some of the biggest names at the tournament.
The Netherlands, semi-finalists two years ago, were brushed aside in the groups, despatched 10-time South American champions, Brazil, in the quarters, before Japan, 2018 champions, were swatted aside in the final.
In doing so, North Korea join Germany and USA as the only three-time champions.
The Japanese were champions in 2018, finished second in 2022 after finishing third in 2012 and 2016.
USA downed Netherlands to finish third the previous day.
For the Americans, that was their second third-place finish at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup
Netherlands finish fourth for the second straight edition.
