North Korea won the Under 20 Women’s World Cup for a third time last month, meaning they are now one of the most successful sides in the tournament’s history. So how has such a politically isolated country forged such a strong presence on the global stage? We’re joined by Tokyo-based sports journalist Alex Bishop, who talks us through that winning moment in Bogotá, their rise as a women’s football power and why North Korea’s youth development is so strong. Plus, Alex explains how their senior team has consistently maintained a top-ten FIFA ranking, and whether he can see them at the World Cup in Brazil in 2027. Join us! Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected]. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.