U17 Women’s World Cup: South Korea face Ivory Coast – time, channel and key players to watch

Ivory Coast will begin their maiden campaign at the U17 Women’s World Cup this Sunday with a group-stage encounter against South Korea at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, Morocco.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m. local time (GMT+1) — corresponding to 1 p.m. in Ivory Coast and 3 p.m. in France.

Supporters will be able to follow the game live on FIFA+, with additional broadcast coverage expected on Ivorian channels NCI and La 3.

This fixture marks a historic moment for the Ivorians, who are making their first-ever appearance at the global youth tournament.

Determined to make an impression, the young Elephantes will look to announce themselves on the world stage and set a strong tone before their next encounter against Colombia on Wednesday.

South Korea, meanwhile, arrive with significantly more experience at this level.

The Asian side will be competing in their fifth U17 Women’s World Cup, having memorably won the title in 2010.

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— FIF 🇨🇮🐘 (@FIFCI_tweet) October 18, 2025

However, the Tigresses have struggled to replicate that success in recent editions, failing to progress beyond the group stage since 2018.

This year, they will aim to end that run and re-establish themselves as a force in youth football.

Ivory Coast’s hopes will heavily rely on N’Sira Safi Ouedraogo, the dynamic forward from Danish side FC Nordsjælland.

The teenage striker has been in sensational form, netting six goals across two friendly matches against Canada in the lead-up to the tournament — scoring twice in the first match and four times in the second.

Her attacking instincts and clinical finishing could prove vital in unlocking South Korea’s disciplined defense.

The Ivorians also boast emerging talents such as team captain Marie Oriane Digbeu and her Juventus teammate Luciana Gosse, both of whom will be central to maintaining balance and composure in midfield.

Their European experience could play a key role in guiding the team through the pressure of international competition.

For South Korea, their focus will be on combining technical precision with tactical organization — attributes that have long been the hallmark of their youth setup.

With both teams keen to make a statement in the group, the match promises to be a blend of energy, ambition, and youthful flair.