The youngest player in this yr’s FIFA Women’s World Cup was born in the United States, however she’s not playing with Megan Rapinoe and the rest of the USWNT — she’s taking part in for South Korea.

Casey Phair, 16, become the youngest particular person ever to play in a Women’s World Cup when she subbed in right through South Korea’s Tuesday, July 25, sport towards Colombia in the 78th minute. At 16 years and 26 days old, Phair broke the report in the past held by way of the overdue Ifeanyi Chiejine, who was 16 years and 34 days when she performed for Nigeria in 1999.

When South Korea announced its roster earlier this month, trainer Colin Bell stated he used to be no longer “experimenting” by settling on Phair for the crew. “Casey is going now not as a passenger but as a precious member of the squad and has each and every chance of getting into the team,” Bell, 61, instructed Reuters ahead of the tournament. “I also want to have that competition.”

South Korea ultimately misplaced their opener, but Phair wasn’t discouraged. “Although as of late we didn’t get the outcome we was hoping for, we can paintings arduous to dance back subsequent sport,” she wrote via Instagram after the match. “I'm honored to make each my senior staff and World Cup debut, and wanted to thank everyone that has supported me so far — this is simply the beginning.”

Keep scrolling for 5 things to know about Phair:

1. Where Was Casey Phair Born?

Phair was born in South Korea to an American father and a South Korean mom. Her circle of relatives moved to the United States when she was once nonetheless an infant. They now reside in Warren Township, New Jersey.

2. What Position Does Casey Phair Play?

Phair is a striker for the South Korea nationwide ladies’s staff. In addition to being the youngest person ever to play in a Women’s World Cup, she is also the first multiracial player named to the South Korea girls’s team.

3. When Did Casey Phair Start Playing Soccer?

Phair started playing soccer in leisure leagues when she was once round Five years outdated. By the time she was 7, she’d began taking part in in membership leagues in Exeter, New Hampshire, where her circle of relatives lived at the time. According to The Athletic, Phair frequently competed towards older children — both boys and girls — throughout that duration. After her family moved to New Jersey in 2020, Phair began enjoying for the elite Players Development Academy membership.

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4. Why Does Casey Phair Play for South Korea?

Before the World Cup, Phair skilled with each the U.S. and South Korean camps, however she in the long run made up our minds to continue on her path with the South Korean team. “Whether it’s with the under-17 team or the senior group, I at all times feel that every time I'm with the Korean nationwide staff I am put in the absolute best position to give a boost to and thrive,” she advised The Athletic in July, adding that she feels “at home” along with her teammates on the South Korean squad.

5. Where Does Casey Phair Go to School?

Phair attends the Pingry School, a non-public Okay-12 establishment in New Jersey. She has been enjoying for the college’s soccer crew since her freshman yr when she scored 25 goals in 15 games.

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