10 Unbelievable Facts About Casey Phair, the Youngest Player in Women’s World Cup History

Casey Phair Yonhap News/MEGA

The youngest player in this year's FIFA Women's World Cup was born in the United States, but she is not representing the USWNT alongside Megan Rapinoe and the rest of the team. Instead, 16-year-old Casey Phair is playing for South Korea. Phair made history by becoming the youngest person ever to participate in a Women's World Cup match. She achieved this feat on Tuesday, July 25, when she substituted in during South Korea's game against Colombia in the 78th minute. Phair surpassed the previous record set by Ifeanyi Chiejine, who played for Nigeria at the age of 16 years and 34 days in 1999.

When South Korea announced its lineup earlier this month, coach Colin Bell clarified that he did not consider selecting Phair as an experiment. Bell emphasized that Phair was chosen as a valuable member of the squad, with a genuine chance of earning a spot in the team. He also expressed his desire for healthy competition within the team.

Despite South Korea's loss in their opening match, Phair remained optimistic. Taking to Instagram after the game, she expressed her determination to bounce back in the next game. Phair also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to make her senior team and World Cup debut, expressing that this was just the beginning and thanked all her supporters.

Keep scrolling for five things to know about Phair:

1. Where Was Casey Phair Born?

Phair's birth took place in South Korea but she comes from a mixed heritage, with an American father and a South Korean mother. Her family relocated to the United States while she was still an infant. Presently, they reside in Warren Township, New Jersey.

2. What Position Does Casey Phair Play?

Phair, the South Korea women's team striker, holds the distinction of being the youngest player ever to participate in a Women's World Cup. Furthermore, she has made history as the first multiracial athlete to be selected for the South Korea women's team.

3. When Did Casey Phair Start Playing Soccer?

Phair embraced soccer from a young age, joining recreational leagues at around 5 years old. By the age of 7, she transitioned to club leagues in Exeter, New Hampshire, where her family resided. Notably, Phair fearlessly competed against older children, irrespective of their gender. In 2020, when her family relocated to New Jersey, she embarked on a soccer journey with the prestigious Players Development Academy club.

4. Why Does Casey Phair Play for South Korea?

Before the World Cup, Phair trained with both the U.S. and South Korean camps, but she ultimately decided to continue on her path with the South Korean team. “Whether it’s with the under-17 team or the senior team, I always feel that whenever I am with the Korean national team I am put in the best position to improve and thrive,” she told The Athletic in July. Furthermore, she expressed feeling "at home" with her teammates on the South Korean squad.

5. Where Does Casey Phair Go to School?

Phair attends the Pingry School, a private K-12 institution in New Jersey. She has been playing for the school’s soccer team since her freshman year when she scored 25 goals in 15 games.