North Korean players celebrate with the trophy after winning the U-20 Women's World Cup final soccer match against Japan at El Campin stadium in Bogota, Colombia.
North Korea edged out Japan 1-0 in the final to clinch a record-equalling third FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup title on Monday (September 23, 2024). With that, the team became the joint-most successful side in the tournament's history, alongside football powerhouses Germany and the United States. What makes this triumph even more remarkable is the fact that the team had not played an international fixture for more than five years, owing to the country's stringent Covid-19 policy.
North Korean players celebrate with the trophy after winning the U-20 Women's World Cup final soccer match against Japan at El Campin stadium in Bogota, Colombia.
Japan's players pose for a picture at the podium with their the second-place medals for the U-20 Women's World Cup, after losing to North Korea, at El Campin stadium in Bogota, Colombia.
North Korean players celebrate with the trophy after winning the U-20 Women's World Cup final soccer match against Japan at El Campin stadium in Bogota, Colombia.
North Korea's coach Ri Song Ho, left, celebrates with players after their team defeated Japan at the U-20 Women's World Cup final soccer match at El Campin stadium in Bogota, Colombia.
Japan's Uno Shiragaki, left, and North Korea's Pak Mi Ryong battle for the ball during the U-20 Women's World Cup final soccer match at El Campin stadium in Bogota, Colombia.
Japan's Chinari Sasai, right, and North Korea's Choe Il Son battle for the ball during the U-20 Women's World Cup final soccer match at El Campin stadium in Bogota, Colombia.
Japan's Maya Hijikata (13) and North Korea's Chae Un Yong go for a header during the U-20 Women's World Cup final soccer match at El Campin stadium in Bogota, Colombia.
North Korea's Chae Un Yong controls the ball during the U-20 Women's World Cup final soccer match against Japan at El Campin stadium in Bogota, Colombia.
North Korea's Sin Hyang, left, and Japan's Hiromi Yoneda battle for the ball during the U-20 Women's World Cup final soccer match at El Campin stadium in Bogota, Colombia.