Indonesia U-17 Falls 6-0 to North Korea, Exposes Key Weaknesses Ahead of 2025 U-17 World Cup

Indonesia’s U-17 national team endured a tough 6-0 defeat against North Korea in the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup quarter-finals, a result that has raised concerns ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Under coach Nova Arianto, the Young Garuda had impressed earlier in the tournament — topping Group C with a perfect record of three wins, including a notable 1-0 victory over South Korea. However, their performance collapsed in the knockout round.

Unlike South Korea, who rebounded and secured a spot in the semifinals, Indonesia’s journey ended abruptly — revealing key weaknesses, especially in aerial duels and physical matchups.

The team struggled against the superior physique and experience of the Chollima squad, with many Indonesian players lacking height and exposure to high-intensity matches against top Asian teams. These vulnerabilities allowed North Korea to dominate set pieces and exploit defensive gaps.

This heavy defeat could serve as a wake-up call for the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) to evaluate player development and preparation — particularly as the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup draws closer.