Pyongyang: North Korea’s women’s football team continues to demonstrate its prowess on the international stage, having secured back-to-back U-17 World Cup titles by defeating the Netherlands 3-0 in Morocco. This victory marks the fourth time the country has won the competition, reinforcing its position as a powerhouse in women’s youth football.

According to Deutsche Welle, North Korea’s strategy in focusing on youth football rather than senior levels has been instrumental in its success. The country’s U-20 team also claimed their third World Cup victory in 2024, cementing their status as the leading force in this arena. Dr. Jung Woo Lee, a senior lecturer in Sport and Leisure Policy at the University of Edinburgh, suggests that international sports serve as a platform for North Korea to assert its sovereignty and identity on the world stage, while domestically, sports are used as a propaganda tool to glorify the nation’s leadership.

The deliberate focus on youth football stems from the realization that the gap to the top in senior football is more challenging to bridge. North Korean leaders have concentrated on women’s youth football, where the gap is perceived as more manageable. This approach prioritizes winning over creating pathways to senior levels, explaining why success at the youth level hasn’t translated to the senior team.

In Morocco, North Korea’s U-17 team showcased their defensive prowess, conceding only three goals throughout the tournament, while scoring three or more goals in four matches. The U-20 women’s team in 2024 also demonstrated their dominance, defeating Argentina 6-2 and securing three consecutive 1-0 victories from the quarterfinals onward.

The Pyongyang International Football School plays a crucial role in developing young talent. With a disciplined and scientific approach, the school selects and trains young girls, contributing to the country’s success.

For North Korea, these achievements also signify a triumph for the communist regime. Dr. Lee explained that the regime uses sports to compare communist and capitalist systems, portraying the former as superior. This psychological element, coupled with disciplined training, provides the team with a competitive edge.

Beyond patriotism and hard work, players are motivated by life-changing rewards. For many, success in football offers the opportunity to move to Pyongyang, a significant improvement from rural life marked by shortages in food and healthcare. The regime provides residence certificates and apartments as incentives, akin to winning a lottery.

The future of North Korea’s talented players, such as Yu Jong-hyang and Choe Il-son, remains uncertain regarding international opportunities. Economic sanctions and complexities in financial arrangements pose challenges for North Korean players seeking to play abroad.

While much about North Korea’s football program remains enigmatic, its success at the youth level is a testament to a well-executed plan.