Overview:
The U.S. Under-17 women’s national team saw its 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup run come to an end with a 3-0 quarterfinal loss to two-time defending champions North Korea on Sunday.
SALE, Morocco – The U.S. Under-17 women’s national team saw its 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup run come to an end with a 3-0 quarterfinal loss to two-time defending champions North Korea on Sunday.
The Koreans showed why they have won this tournament four times, including the 2024 and 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cups, dominating possession from the early going and firing shots from all over the field. The U.S. was up to the task through the opening half. American goalkeeper Avellina Saunders was excellent, making back-to-back saves in the 17th minute on close-range headers from forward Yu Jong Hyang. Saunders came up huge minutes later when Korea DRP was awarded a penalty kick after a Video Support System review, diving to her right to push away the shot from Yu Jong Hyang in the 20th minute.
Korea’s transition attacks were just too powerful, versatile and creative for the USA. The Asian champions broke through at the half-hour mark after capitalizing on a USA turnover at midfield. Defender Wo...