U17 Women's World Cup semifinals: Who will reach the final?

From the original 24 teams, only four remain at the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. Japan will face North Korea, while Brazil take on Nigeria, with two places in the final. The semifinalists include the defending champions as well as teams that have managed to suprise the favourites along the way. Who will take the final step and get the chance to fight for the title?

Japan vs North Korea (16:00 CET)

Watch here

Japan have been one of the standout teams at this year's U17 Women's World Cup, particularly due to their defensive performances. Coach Sadayoshi Shirai's side made it through the group stage without conceding a single goal before beating Kenya 3:1 and Ghana 1:0 in the quarter-finals. They have conceded just once throughout the tournament, giving them the best defensive record of any team. One of Japan's key players has been midfielder Nanami Kurita, who has scored four goals, including the winner against Ghana.

However, Japan now face their toughest test yet against North Korea. The defending champions, who have won the last two U17 tournaments, are aiming for a hattrick and have already produced several dominant performances. They thrashed Morocco 6:0 before comfortably beating the USA 3:0 in the quarter-finals. Unlike Japan, however, North Korea have not enjoyed a perfect run. They suffered a 3:1 defeat to Nigeria in the group stage.

Can Japan finally find a way past a team that has repeatedly stood in their way in recent years?

Brazil vs Nigeria (19:00 CET)

Watch here

Like Japan, Brazil remain unbeaten at the tournament. However, their journey to the final four has been far from straightforward. After opening with a 6:2 victory over Canada, they were held to a surprising 3:3 draw by Ghana. Their round-of-16 clash with Poland also ended 3:3, with Brazil eventually progressing on penalties. They then had to come from behind against China in the quarter-finals, with Helena Vieira scoring twice to secure a 2:1 victory. Another standout player has been Greise Kelly, who has registered three goals and five assists. Brazil have scored 17 goals so far, but they have also conceded nine. Their defence could therefore prove to be a weakness against Nigeria.

Nigeria's journey has arguably been even more remarkable. They began the tournament with a 2:1 defeat to Poland but have since won four consecutive matches. Their biggest moment came in their final group-stage game, when they beat defending champions North Korea 3:1, ending their long unbeaten run at the U17 World Cup. 

Nigeria then overcame Mexico in the round of 16 before Azeezat Oduntan's 89th-minute penalty secured a narrow quarter-final victory over Venezuela. Goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho has also played an important role, making 16 saves so far. 

Nigeria have reached the semi-finals for only the second time in their history, their first appearance since winning bronze in 2022. Neither team has ever reached a U17 World Cup final, making this a chance for both Brazil and Nigeria to write a new chapter in their history.