Pyongyang: North Korea's women's football teams have been making waves on the international stage with remarkable consistency. The country's U-17 team recently clinched their fourth World Cup title by defeating the Netherlands 3-0 in Morocco. This victory follows their successful defense of the title, showcasing their dominance in youth football.
According to Deutsche Welle, North Korea's U-20 team also won their third World Cup in 2024, further solidifying the nation's reputation as a powerhouse in women's youth football. The success of these teams raises questions about how a nation described by the United Nations as having "no parallel in the contemporary world" achieves such feats.
Dr. Jung Woo Lee, a senior lecturer in Sport and Leisure Policy at the University of Edinburgh, points out that international sports offer North Korea a rare opportunity to project its sovereignty and identity globally. These triumphs are significant occasions for the nation to showcase its flag and achievements to the world. Domestically, sports serve as a propaganda tool to glorify the leadership and the country.
North Korea has adopted a strategic focus on women's youth football, recognizing the more manageable gap at this level compared to senior football. Success at the youth level, however, has not translated into similar achievements for the senior team. The strategy is directed toward winning rather than developing pathways to senior success.
The Pyongyang International Football School plays a pivotal role in this success. Young girls are selected, trained, and educated using a highly disciplined and scientific approach, allowing them to excel in youth football. North Korea's U-17 team, for instance, conceded only three goals in the entire tournament in Morocco while scoring multiple goals in several matches. The U-20 team's performance in 2024 was equally impressive, including a 6-2 victory over Argentina and three consecutive 1-0 wins from the quarterfinals onwards.
This success is also viewed as a triumph for the communist regime. Under Kim Jong Un, there is an emphasis on contrasting the superiority of the communist regime with capitalist systems. North Korea's media often highlights the resilience and determination of its athletes, even in the face of physical exhaustion, as a testament to their superior system.
The motivation for North Korean players extends beyond patriotism and discipline; it includes life-changing rewards. Players may receive residence certificates to enter Pyongyang or even apartments, offering a stark contrast to the hardships faced in rural areas.
For standout players like Yu Jong-hyang and Choe Il-son, the prospect of joining international leagues like the WSL or NWSL seems challenging due to economic sanctions and complexities related to salary distribution. North Korean players' salaries have historically been directed to government accounts, adding another layer of difficulty.
While much about North Korea's women's football team remains shrouded in mystery, their success at the youth level is undeniably part of a well-executed plan.