North Korea: world’s most secretive nation lands in spotlight at Women’s Asian Cup | Samantha Lewis

Guardian Sport

by Samantha Lewis

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

North Korea’s women’s football team has emerged as an unexpected contender on the global stage, capturing attention at the Women’s Asian Cup. This reclusive nation, often shrouded in secrecy, is leveraging state-sponsored investment to rebuild its football program after a decade of minimal international participation. Their rise to prominence can be traced back to 1986, when Norway's push for a women's World Cup inspired North Korea to adopt a bold strategy: using women’s sports as a tool for national rejuvenation. The plan was meticulously executed, beginning in the late 1980s. The government poured resources into establishing football programs in schools, creating all-female military teams where players trained full-time, and building state-of-the-art facilities across the country. This strategic approach aimed to reassert North Korea’s influence on the world stage through athletics, particularly in women's football. At the recent Women’s Asian Cup, North Korea demonstrated the effectiveness of their investment. Despite being ranked ninth globally, they secured a notable victory against Syria, showcasing their competitive prowess. This success highlights how sports can serve as a powerful diplomatic and propaganda tool for nations seeking to enhance their international image. The broader implications of North Korea's involvement in women’s football extend beyond sports. It underscores the potential for countries to invest in female athletes as a means of fostering national pride and global recognition. For readers interested in sports, this story illustrates how political motivations can drive athletic success and inspire other nations to prioritize investment in women’s sports programs. North Korea’s participation also raises questions about the balance between athletics and propaganda. While their approach has yielded impressive results on the field, it remains tied to broader geopolitical dynamics. As North Korea continues to engage with international competitions, the world will watch to see how their football success translates into global diplomatic relations and whether this model could influence other nations’ sports strategies.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/23/2026