2025 U17 World Cup: Ivory Coast seek redemption in final group clash against South Korea

Ivory Coast will take on South Korea on Monday, 10 November 2025, at 12:30 GMT on Pitch 8 of the Aspire Zone in Doha, in their final Group F encounter of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

For the young Elephants, this fixture represents a chance to restore pride after a disappointing start to their campaign.

Coach Bassiriki Diabaté’s side have endured a tough tournament so far, suffering heavy defeats in both of their opening matches.

They fell 4-1 to Switzerland in their opener before narrowly losing 1-0 to Mexico.

With no points from two games, the Ivorians are already on the brink of elimination but could still hope for a slim chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams if results elsewhere go their way.

Despite the setbacks, the Ivory Coast players are expected to approach the match with determination, seeking to end their group-stage journey on a positive note.

Diabaté will likely urge his squad to show greater discipline in defence and sharper finishing in front of goal — areas that have cost them dearly in their earlier matches.

South Korea, meanwhile, arrive in Doha’s Aspire Zone with a far different outlook.

The Taeguk Warriors are well-positioned to qualify for the next round, having collected four points from their opening two games.

They began the tournament with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Mexico and followed it up with a goalless draw against Switzerland.

With second place in Group F currently theirs to lose, the Koreans will be looking to secure qualification with a confident performance.

Their tactical organisation and speed in transition have been key strengths throughout the tournament, and coach Byun Sung-hwan will expect his side to maintain focus against a wounded but dangerous Ivorian team.

The match also carries contrasting motivations: South Korea seek to cement their place among the competition’s contenders, while Ivory Coast hope to restore national pride and demonstrate the promise of their youth programme despite their struggles in Doha.

Kick-off at 12:30 GMT will mark the end of both sides’ group-stage journey — one aiming to advance, the other fighting to leave with honour intact.