Defending champions North Korea powered into the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 final after defeating Colombia 3-0 in their semi-final tie on Wednesday.
Pak Ok I, Choe Rim Jong and So Ryu Gyong were all on target as the three-time champions produced another masterful display to move within one victory of retaining their title.
The North Koreans are now just one match away from becoming the first team to retain the U-20 showpiece. Few would bet against them although Spain, who dispatched Italy 2-0 in their semi-final, will provide the sternest of tests.
After dominating the opening period, North Korea opened the scoring in the 28th minute thanks to an acrobatic effort from Pak from short distance after Colombia failed to clear the ball on their goal line.
They doubled their lead seven minutes later when Choe escaped from her marker and guided a Jon cross with a well-placed header past Colombia goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo, who could only get a hand on the ball.
North Korea continued where they left off after the break, with Jon providing yet another assist. After a well-worked free-kick, the Golden Ball contender’s left-wing cross was expertly met by So’s diving header into the net.
In their run to the Poland 2026 final, the AFC heavyweights have now secured a tournament record 13 consecutive wins, dating back to the start of the showpiece in Colombia two years ago.
North Korea have also gone an incredible nine matches in the competition without conceding – another tournament record.
Colombia will now face Italy in the third-place tie on Saturday.
