Japan have booked a place in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating defending champions North Korea 4-1 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in their semi-final encounter in Morocco.

The Japanese side produced a remarkable late comeback on Wednesday, November 4, to end North Korea’s hopes of winning the competition for a third consecutive time.

North Korea appeared to be heading for victory after Ri Ui-gyong opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a well-taken volley. The defending champions maintained their advantage for most of the second half and looked set to secure another appearance in the final.

However, Japan refused to give up and found a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time. In the 95th minute, a goal-bound effort deflected off North Korean defender Won Sol-gyong and entered the net, sending the match into a penalty shootout.

Japan capitalised on the late breakthrough, converting all four of their penalties to secure a 4-1 victory. Goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki played a crucial role by saving Eh Chong-gum’s attempt, while Kim Ju-gyong struck the post.

Asuka Tanaka converted Japan’s decisive spot-kick to confirm their qualification for the final, marking the country’s first appearance in the tournament’s title match since 2016. The result also ended North Korea’s bid for an unprecedented third successive championship.

Japan will now face Nigeria’s Flamingos in Saturday’s final after the African side defeated Brazil 3-1 in the other semi-final.

Nigeria secured their historic qualification through goals from Queen Joseph and Awawu Bashiru, who scored twice. Brazil managed a late consolation goal, but it was not enough to prevent the Flamingos from reaching their first-ever final in the competition.

The final presents Nigeria with an opportunity to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, while Japan will be seeking another title after lifting the trophy in 2014.

Burna Boy, Bukayo Saka Make History at 2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony

Nigerian music star Burna Boy and Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka created a memorable moment at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony after the Grammy-winning singer presented the England international with the prestigious Sócrates Award.

The ceremony took place at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, bringing together leading figures from the worlds of football and entertainment.

Burna Boy’s appearance marked a significant milestone, as he became the first Nigerian artiste to present an award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. His participation also highlighted the growing connection between African music and international football.

Before announcing the winner, the singer spoke about his football academy in Nigeria, explaining that he established the initiative to support grassroots football development and help young talents pursue their dreams.

“Something I started a few years ago, just to support the football culture back home. Hopefully, inshallah, one day I’ll come back here to see one of my people getting an award in Ballon d’Or,” Burna Boy said.

His remarks drew attention to his ambition of helping develop Nigerian football talents who could one day compete for some of the sport’s biggest individual honours.

Saka received the Sócrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian and charitable activities away from the football pitch.

The Arsenal winger, who has Nigerian heritage, was recognised for his involvement with BigShoe, an organisation that helps children in need access essential medical treatment.

Through the initiative, Saka has supported life-changing operations for children, including surgeries in Nigeria. In 2022, he helped fund medical procedures for 120 children in Kano, while subsequent support extended to children in other African countries.

The award recognises footballers who use their influence and resources to support humanitarian causes and make a positive impact in their communities. Established in 2022, it is named after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates, who was known for his social activism as well as his achievements on the pitch.

Saka’s recognition adds to his growing profile as a footballer committed to charitable work, while Burna Boy’s presence placed Nigerian entertainment on the international stage during one of football’s most prominent award ceremonies.

The moment also resonated with Nigerian fans, as two figures of Nigerian heritage and influence featured prominently at an event celebrating excellence in global football.

Burna Boy expressed hope that his football development initiative would eventually help produce a Nigerian player capable of winning the Ballon d’Or itself.

His statement has added another dimension to the ceremony, shifting attention beyond the awards to the possibilities of grassroots football development in Nigeria.

England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first English footballer in 25 years to claim the prestigious individual award.

Kane was announced as the winner at the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the London Palladium in London on Monday, October 26, 2026. He finished ahead of France international Kylian Mbappé, who placed second, and Barcelona’s Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, who came third.

The 33-year-old forward enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, scoring 73 goals for club and country. His performances helped Bayern Munich retain their Bundesliga title and secure a domestic treble, while he also finished as the German league’s leading scorer for the third consecutive season.

Kane scored 61 goals in 51 club appearances for Bayern Munich and added 12 goals for England. He also recorded 14 goals in the UEFA Champions League as Bayern reached the semi-finals of the competition.

His contributions to the England national team further strengthened his case for the award, with the Three Lions finishing third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kane scored six goals during the tournament.

The victory makes Kane the fifth Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, joining an exclusive list featuring Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen.

Owen was the last English player to receive the honour in 2001, when he won following an impressive season with Liverpool. Kane’s triumph therefore ends a 25-year wait for an English winner.

Speaking after receiving the award, Kane described the campaign as the best of his career and acknowledged the contributions of his teammates, coaches and everyone who supported his journey.

He credited the collective efforts of his Bayern Munich and England teammates for helping him achieve the remarkable goal-scoring record that contributed to his success.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Alexia Putellas won the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, securing the honour for the third time in her career after previous victories in 2021 and 2022.

Putellas was recognised following a successful campaign with Barcelona before moving to London City Lionesses. Her latest victory also ended Aitana Bonmatí’s three-year run as the women’s award winner.

Other winners at the ceremony included Yamal, who claimed the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while Unai Simón won the men’s goalkeeper award. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, and Paris Saint-Germain received the Men’s Club of the Year honour.

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work and social initiatives.

The 2026 ceremony was held in London for the first time, marking the 70th anniversary of the award, which was first presented in 1956 to English footballer Sir Stanley Matthews.