The South Korea U-17 national soccer team was eliminated after losing 0-2 to England in the Round of 32 at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The match took place on the 15th at 9:30 PM (KST) at Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar. Led by head coach Baek Ki-tae, the Korean team advanced to the Round of 32 as the second place in Group F with 2 wins and 1 draw in the group stage but suffered defeat against England, who advanced as the second place in Group E.

In the group stage, South Korea defeated Mexico 2-1, drew 0-0 with Switzerland, and beat Ivory Coast 3-1, earning 7 points. Although tied with Switzerland in points, Korea advanced as the second place in the group due to a goal difference two goals behind Switzerland. This marks Korea's first advancement to the Round of 32 in six years since 2019, and the first time in ten years since 2015 that they advanced undefeated in the group stage.

England, the 2017 U-17 World Cup champions, is considered a favorite to win this tournament as well. Among the 21 players on the England squad, 20 play for youth teams under the English Premier League (EPL). England lost their first group stage match 0-3 to Venezuela but then crushed Haiti 8-1 and defeated Egypt 3-0 to advance as the second place in their group.

South Korea deployed a 4-4-2 formation against England. Kim Ji-sung (Suwon Samsung U18) and Nam Ian (Ulsan HD U18) started as the two forwards, with the midfield composed of Kim Do-yeon (Daejeon Hana Citizen U18), Park Hyun-soo, Kim Do-min (both Ulsan), and Kim Ye-geon (Jeonbuk Hyundai U18). The defense consisted of Kim Min-chan (Ulsan), Koo Hyun-bin (Incheon United U18), Jung Hee-seop (Jeonbuk), and Lim Ye-chan (Incheon), while Park Do-hoon (Daegu FC U18) guarded the goal.

South Korea created an early chance as the match began. Kim Do-yeon scored with a left-footed shot, but the referee called a foul, disallowing the goal. England then took the lead in the 28th minute of the first half with an own goal by Jung Hee-seop. The momentum shifted to England, and in the 35th minute, Reagan Heskey (Manchester City U18) scored an additional goal, putting England ahead 2-0.

At the start of the second half, South Korea introduced Kim Ji-woo and Jung Hyun-woong to boost the attack but struggled against England's strong pressure and quick transitions. In the 27th minute of the second half, Kim Ye-geon was substituted out for Kim Eun-seong in an attempt to change the flow, but it was insufficient. In the 41st minute, South Korea threatened the goal from a corner kick, but England goalkeeper Jack Potter (Arsenal U18) punched the ball away, blocking Korea's chance to close the gap.

The match ended with England winning 2-0, and South Korea finished the tournament in the Round of 32, revealing limitations in organization and finishing. Although Korea showed resilience against England in this tournament, they lost control after conceding consecutive goals, leaving a sense of regret.

South Korea's best historical performance in the U-17 World Cup is reaching the quarterfinals, achieved in the 1987 Canada, 2009 Nigeria, and 2019 Brazil tournaments. This tournament expanded from 24 to 48 teams and changed the format to a knockout stage starting from the Round of 32. South Korea must look forward to the next tournament after the disappointing result against England.