Korea Republic have not been able to scale the same heights sinceemerging champions in 2010 and are set to face a tough challenge in Group B.
Factfile
Previous Appearances: 3
Best Finish: Champions (2010)
2022 Record: Did not qualify
How They Got There: Third in AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024
Head Coach: Kim Eun-jung (KOR)
Fun Fact: Korea Republic did not qualify for the next three editions of the tournament after emerging champions in 2010
Group B Fixtures: v Colombia (October 16), v Spain (October 19) v United States (October 22)
Led by Casey Phair, the East Asian side will, however, enter the tournament confident about holding their own against defending two-time champions Spain, the United States and Colombia.
They qualified after a third-placed finish in the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024, sealing only their fourth appearance at the global stage thanks to a Phair brace in the third-place playoff against China PR.
They open their campaign against a Colombia side who emerged runners-up two years ago and victory is vital ahead of showdowns against Spain and the United States.
Besides their two titles, Spain were runners-up in 2014 and third in 2010 and 2016, making them fearsome opponents.
The United States were runners-up in the inaugural edition in 2008 but despite not challenging for the title in their subsequent appearances, they will be strong and Korea Republic will have to rise to the occasion if they are to advance to the knockout stage.
