Naegohyang Women’s FC Wins Asian Title 1-0, Secures 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Spot
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 23
Naegohyang Women’s FC Wins Asian Title 1-0, Secures 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Spot
13 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 23
Captain Kim Kyong Yong’s 44th-minute goal gave Naegohyang Women’s FC a 1-0 win over Tokyo Verdy Beleza in Saturday’s Asian Women’s Champions League final in Suwon.
Tokyo had beaten Naegohyang 4-0 earlier in the competition in Myanmar, but the North Korean side absorbed second-half pressure after scoring on a quick counterattack.
The title capped the first visit by a North Korean team to South Korea in eight years, after Naegohyang also beat Suwon FC Women 2-1 in a rare inter-Korean semi-final.
Naegohyang’s victory sends the 2012-founded club into next year’s FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and underscored North Korea’s strength in women’s football, with the country ranked 11th in FIFA’s women’s standings.
What is the secret behind North Korea's dominance in women's football despite its deep isolation?
After a historic win, will UN sanctions intercept the North Korean team's $1 million prize?
Is this rare on-field Korean unity a sign of peace or a masterful political feint?
Naegohyang Women’s FC Crowned 2025-2026 AFC Champions: North Korea’s Club Breakthrough and Its Asian and Diplomatic Ripples
Overview
The 2025-2026 AFC Women's Champions League Final was a landmark event, with Naegohyang Women's FC achieving a historic victory that marked a major milestone in women's football. The final, held at Suwon Sports Complex and attended by 2,670 spectators, saw Tokyo Verdi dominate possession and apply pressure, but they struggled to break through Naegohyang's strong and organized defense. The vibrant atmosphere was amplified by a joint cheering squad, who chanted and waved flags for Naegohyang, celebrating their team's resilience and ultimate triumph in this significant match.