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Puerto Rico makes historic U-17 Women’s World Cup debut 

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Historic day for Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico made its FIFA World Cup debut in the Women’s U17 competition.

RABAT, Morocco — The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup continued on Saturday with Korea DPR defeating Puerto Rico 6-nil in Group B at Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.

Puerto Rico made history as the country’s first team in any category and in any level to debut in a FIFA World Cup after clinching their spot in the 2026 Concacaf W U-17 Qualifiers.

The back-to-back defending Champions were led by braces from Yu Jong Hyang and Kim Won Sim, with the first one scoring the first one for DPR Korea in the 6’.

Ri Ui Gyong doubled the lead with a great solo effort in the 19’ with a blast from close range. Korea DPR extended their lead in the 34’ when Kim Won Sim pounced on a rebound off the crossbar.

Jong Hyang recorded her brace in the 38’. Ri Ye Rim tapped Korea DPR’s fifth goal in the 45+1’. Won Sim scored her second of the match, and her team’s sixth goal, in the 50’.

image: Camila Adame PUR
Kim Won Sim of DPR Korea is challenged by Camilla Adame of Puerto Rico during the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Group B match between DPR Korea and Puerto Rico at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on October 17, 2026 in Rabat, Morocco. (Photo by Judit Cartiel - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Puerto Rico played a stronger second half defensively, with Captain Camila Adame stepping up to lead the team in a historic debut, having to be subbed off in the 24’.

Puerto Rico will take Group B central stage once again on Tuesday, October 20 to face Nigeria in their second Group Stage match.

Post-Match Data Korea DPR vs Puerto Rico

  • Puerto Rico have become the seventh Concacaf side to make their debut at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the first since the Dominican Republic in the 2024 edition.
  • Puerto Rico’s Zoriah Jones was the player with the most duels won (seven) and the most tackles made (four) in the match, as well as her team’s top performer in terms of ball recoveries (five, alongside Caroline Rivera).
  • Puerto Rico had an xG of 0.17 expected goals against North Korea, 0.10 of which came from Amanda Echevarría’s only shot of the match, in the 85th minute, which was the team’s clearest chance of the game.
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