DPR Korea 3–0 USA: Ri Ui-gyong scores twice as the holders march into the U-17 Women's World Cup semi-finals
DPR Korea beat the USA 3–0 in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup quarter-final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Rabat, on Sunday 1 November 2026, per FIFA's own matchday round-up. Ri Ui-gyong scored in the 30th and 56th minutes and Ri Ye-rim added a third in first-half stoppage time (45+4'). USA goalkeeper Avellina Saunders kept her side in the game early, saving a point-blank Yu Jong-hyang header and a Yu Jong-hyang penalty before the opener. The two-time reigning champions, chasing a third successive title, now face Japan in the semi-finals.

Key points
- Final: DPR Korea 3, USA 0 — U-17 Women's World Cup quarter-final, Mohammed VI Football Complex, Rabat, Sunday 1 November 2026 (FIFA's own round-up).
- Scorers: Ri Ui-gyong 30' and 56', Ri Ye-rim 45+4'.
- USA goalkeeper Avellina Saunders saved a point-blank header and a penalty before the opening goal; Ri Ui-gyong was Player of the Match.
- The two-time reigning champions face Japan in the semi-finals, chasing a third successive title.
What happened
DPR Korea are the dominant force at this level: the two-time reigning champions arrived in Morocco chasing a third successive U-17 Women's World Cup title, per FIFA, and their quarter-final win was built on a familiar pattern — patience against a busy goalkeeper, then goals either side of the break in the half.
For the USA, the tournament ends at the quarter-final stage despite Saunders's early heroics. The semi-final line-up now pairs DPR Korea with Japan, who beat Ghana 1–0 in the day's other early quarter-final.
Match facts — all verified
- ✓ VerifiedDPR Korea beat the USA 3–0 in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup quarter-final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Rabat, on Sunday 1 November 2026: Ri Ui-gyong 30' and 56', Ri Ye-rim 45+4'.FIFA — Rabat matchday 12 round-up, U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026 (1 Nov 2026)
- ✓ VerifiedUSA goalkeeper Avellina Saunders saved a point-blank Yu Jong-hyang header and a Yu Jong-hyang penalty before the opening goal, and Ri Ui-gyong was named Player of the Match.FIFA — Rabat matchday 12 round-up, U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026 (1 Nov 2026)
- ✓ VerifiedRi Ui-gyong's second goal was her fifth of this tournament and her eighth overall at this level; DPR Korea, the two-time reigning champions, advance to a semi-final against Japan as they chase a third successive title.FIFA — Rabat matchday 12 round-up, U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026 (1 Nov 2026)