Pyongyang Women’s Soccer Team Wins AFC Women’s Champions League

The Pyongyang-based Naegohyang Women’s FC claimed a historic victory by defeating Japanese side Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 in the 2026 AFC Women’s Champions League final, held on May 23, 2026, at the Suwon Sports Complex in South Korea. This marks the first time a North Korean team has competed in a competitive sporting event in South Korea since the 2018 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals, highlighting a rare moment of cross-border athletic engagement.

Historic Match and Context

The final, which drew an attendance of 2,670, saw Naegohyang secure their place in AFC Women’s Champions League history by overcoming the reigning WE League champions, Tokyo Verdy Beleza. The match, part of the 2025–26 season of Asia’s premier club women’s football tournament, was officiated by Thai referee Supiree Testhomya. Naegohyang’s triumph not only crowned them as the 2026 champions but also earned them a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.

The victory underscores the growing prominence of North Korean women’s football, with Naegohyang representing the DPR Korea Women’s Premier League. The team’s journey to the final included a strong performance in the tournament, though specific details about their group-stage results were not disclosed in the primary sources. The match against Tokyo Verdy Beleza, a club with a storied history in Asian women’s football, was a significant test for the North Korean side.

Significance of the Event

The 2026 final stands out as a rare instance of North Korean athletes participating in a competitive event on South Korean soil. Since the 2018 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals, which featured table tennis players from both Koreas, no other inter-Korean sporting competition of this scale has occurred. This development has drawn attention amid ongoing diplomatic and cultural exchanges between the two nations, albeit limited in scope.

The AFC Women’s Champions League, rebranded in 2024, has seen increasing participation from teams across Asia. The 2026 edition marked the sixth season of the tournament, with Naegohyang’s victory representing a milestone for North Korean football. The team’s success also reflects the broader efforts of the Korean Football