Is There Hope for North Korea’s Women’s Soccer Team? Story of Their Rise and Fall

North Korean women’s soccer was once recognized as a global powerhouse.

North Korean women’s soccer once made headlines with a strong performance at the 2007 Women’s World Cup, where they drew 2-2 against the top-ranked United States. However, in recent years, the team’s presence on the international stage has diminished. What factors have contributed to this decline?

Initially, North Korean women’s soccer experienced rapid growth due to direct support from Kim Jong Il. He aimed to enhance North Korea’s international standing through sports, and women’s soccer was a significant part of that strategy.

Players received systematic training from a young age, with formal education in soccer provided in schools and through teams affiliated with central schools and the military. Kim Jong Il’s support went beyond financial aid; players were given apartments in Pyongyang, a substantial incentive to escape the challenging conditions of rural life. Pyongyang offered better healthcare, food, and leisure activities, making it a life-changing opportunity for selected players and their families.

However, the team’s success was short-lived. A doping scandal during the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany tarnished their reputation. North Korean officials claimed that the players had taken traditional medicine made from musk deer extract, but the international soccer community viewed this explanation with skepticism. Following the scandal, North Korean women’s soccer struggled to maintain its presence and failed to qualify for the Women’s World Cups in 2015 and 2019.

The lack of international competition and friendly matches further contributed to the decline. North Korea’s absence from these events decreased its FIFA rankings and visibility in the global soccer community.

Despite winning a silver medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, North Korean women’s soccer has yet to reclaim its past glory. Questions remain about whether the team can return to its former prominence. With the current FIFA ranking at 10th, North Korea still holds a high position, but restoring its reputation will require participation in more international competitions and friendly matches.