Women's football, a king of sports in the land of "captain" Kim Jong Un (North Korea)

Located in the north of South Korea, North Korea is considered the most closed country in the world. It is ruled with an iron fist by Kim Jong Un, a 42-year-old despot who has embarked on a frenzied arms race.

The country possesses giant multiple missile launchers capable of firing short-range tactical nuclear warheads. It is currently one of the world's nuclear powers, but also one of the finest venues for women's football.

An intensive training program focused on endurance and physical strength

Indeed, in the mid-1980s, the regime saw women's football as an opportunity to showcase the country on the international stage at minimal cost. Very strict talent identification and training structures were then put in place.

The national youth teams benefit from intensive preparation focused on endurance and physical strength, which allows the various U17 and U20 selections to be very competitive in international competitions.

Three-time world champions in the U17 and U20 categories

The U17 women's national team has already won three World Cups in its age category. They secured their first world title in 2008, their second in 2016, and their third in 2025. They lost the final in 2012 to France. The U20 team has achieved the same feat.

The young North Korean women have won the title three times (2006, 2016 and 2024). They will attempt to lift the trophy again at the World Youth Championships in Poland this September.

All these world titles have boosted national pride. The U17 and U20 women's national teams are a veritable propaganda tool for the authoritarian regime.