Japan have booked their place in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after defeating defending champions Korea DPR 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

The semi-final encounter, played at Pitch 2 of the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Sale on Wednesday, saw both teams battle fiercely for a place in Saturday's final.

Korea DPR took the lead in the 52nd minute through Ui-Gyong Ri, putting the defending champions in a promising position to extend their title defence.

However, Japan refused to give up and secured a late equaliser through an own goal by Won Soi-Gyong, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout after both sides failed to find a winner within 90 minutes.

Japan held their nerve from the spot, converting four penalties while Korea DPR managed just one to seal a 4-1 victory and secure their place in the final.

The Japanese side will now await the outcome of the second semi-final between Nigeria's Flamingos and Brazil to discover their opponents in Saturday's title-deciding encounter.

Should Nigeria overcome Brazil, the Flamingos will face Japan in the final as they seek to claim their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title.

Meanwhile, Korea DPR will take on the loser of the Nigeria-Brazil semi-final in the third-place playoff.