Japan and DPR Korea set up U-17 Women’s World Cup semi-final meeting

Japan edged Ghana 1–0 and DPR Korea defeated the United States 3–0 in the Morocco 2026 quarter-finals on 1 November. Nanami Kurita settled Japan’s tie, while Ri Ui-gyong scored twice for the defending champions. The two winners will meet in the semi-finals.

Two confirmed quarter-final winners

Japan and DPR Korea secured their places in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup semi-finals on 1 November. Japan beat Ghana 1–0, while DPR Korea overcame the United States 3–0 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. The results set up a semi-final between the two Asian teams.

Kurita makes the difference for Japan

Nanami Kurita scored the only goal of Japan’s quarter-final in the 54th minute. A Yuka Kishida attempt ricocheted into her path close to goal, and she converted the opening. Ghana could not find an equaliser. FIFA and the Ghana Football Association both confirmed the scorer, minute and final result.

A Ri Ui-gyong double ends the United States’ run

Ri Ui-gyong scored in the 30th and 56th minutes for DPR Korea, with Ri Ye-rim adding the other goal before half-time. U.S. goalkeeper Avellina Saunders saved a penalty, but her side could not halt the defending champions’ progress. FIFA’s report and U.S. Soccer’s match report agree on the 3–0 outcome and Ri Ui-gyong’s two goals.

What the results mean

Japan and DPR Korea advance; Ghana and the United States are eliminated. This report covers those two completed quarter-finals only. It does not assign winners to the other ties or publish a projected final. For the wider tournament dates and the updated final-day venue, follow our Morocco guide; our separate score guide explains how penalty shoot-outs are reported when needed.