It’s not often that one can be crowned world champion twice in the same year but that is an opportunity that Choe Il Son finds herself presented with.

The striker played a pivotal role in DPR Korea winning the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 in September, as she also bagged the Golden Ball and Golden Boot after scoring six goals in the tournament - including the match-winner in the final against Japan. 

The left-footer is a good dribbler and a deadly finisher with her consistency highlighted by the five goals she scored enroute to DPR Korea lifting the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024.

A central midfielder with a knack for scoring goals, Miharu Shinjo is the lynchpin in the Japan engine room, as was shown when she led them to a runners-up finish at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in May.

Shinjo scored four goals in that tournament and the Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Menina player has a great sense for timing her runs into the penalty box. 

Japan will have a shot of repeating their 2014 triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup if she has a productive tournament.

It was her goals that got Korea Republic their place at the global showpiece, with her two efforts in the third place playoff win against China PR showing just why Phair is crucial to Korea Republic’s plans.

Already a fixture with the full international side, it is Phair’s physical strength that makes her a intimidating prospect for defenders with the Angel City FC player not afraid of tussles, with her height also making her a threat during set-pieces.

The only player who scored more than Choe at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup, Jon Il Chong bagged six goals in the tournament - including a hat-trick against Korea Republic in their opening group match.

A wide forward, Jon uses her incredible pace to great effect to beat her direct opponent and together with Choe, will be the major attacking threat for DPR Korea.

Another gem in Japan’s engine room, though Hana Kikuchi often operates more on the flanks and has a really good understanding with Shinjo with their link-play able to cut through defences.

Kikuchi offers solutions to head coach Sadayoshi Shirai on both flanks as the Mynavi Sendai Ladies player is comfortable with both feet, a modern winger rather than the traditional flying wingers of the past.

Beom Ye-ju (Korea Republic) 

As much as Phair will be the focal point of attack, Beom Ye-ju is the fulcrum in midfield for Korea Republic with the 158cm tall player tasked with directing traffic for her side.

A feature of Beom’s play that will be important for Korea Republic is her shooting from range capabilities, which could potentially see her using more if opponents are putting the shackles on Phair.