A year ago, North Korea’s women successfully defended their U-17 World Cup title after defeating the Netherlands 3-0 in Morocco. It was the fourth time that the country has won the competition.

Now the country’s U-20 team enter the World Cup in Poland as defending champions, having won their third World Cup in 2024. North Korea’s women have clearly cemented their status as the dominant force in women’s youth football.

But what is it that makes a state that, according to the United Nations, “does not have any parallel in the contemporary world,” so good at youth football?

“International sport is one of the few ways to demonstrate their sovereignty, existence and identity to the international community, so this type of big success, from their point of view, is an important occasion where they can wave their national flag in front of the international audience,” Dr Jung Woo Lee, a senior lecturer in Sport and Leisure Policy at the University of Edinburgh, told DW.

“At the same time, domestically, North Korea often uses sport as their propaganda tool to glorify their leaders and also how great their country is.”

A clear and conscious strategy

Football is popular in the country, but recognizing that the gap to the top in senior football is much harder to close than in youth football, North Korea’s leaders turned to women’s youth football, where the gap is more manageable. It’s also why success at this level hasn’t benefited the senior team over the years. This strategy is not about pathways. It’s about winning.

“The gap between established and developing clubs is also high because in many European countries, there is a professional league, and they get more support from a number of different stakeholders,” Lee said. 

“In youth football, I think European sport organizations highlight more on having fun when playing football. Whereas in North Korea, even if you are 13 or 14 years old, they join very highly disciplined, highly systematic and highly professionalized training regimes, so in early ages they can excel.”

In Morocco, North Korea’s U-17 team only conceded three goals in the entire tournament, and scored three or more on four occasions. This was a continuation of their form the year before, while the U-20 women in 2024 not only beat Argentina 6-2 but also secured three straight 1-0 victories from the quarterfinals onwards to win the tournament.

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With the help of the Pyongyang International Football School where young girls are selected, developed and educated following a highly disciplined and scientific approach, North Korea has seen an opportunity and taken it.

Regime positioning, life-changing rewards

In the eyes of North Korea, this is also a victory for the state itself.

“You need to remember that North Korea still maintains a very strong socialist and communist regime,” Lee explained. “Particularly under Kim Jong Un, they try to compare capitalist and communist regimes and show the communist regime as superior to the capitalist. Also, when I look at some of the news reports about the North Korean performance in North Korean media, they highlighted that because they are (under) the communist regime, they do whatever they can, even if they’re physically exhausted.

“Then they directly compare those mentalities with capitalist countries. In capitalism, when athletes are physically exhausted and injured, there is no way to perform. They need to be changed by their coach. But in socialist systems their will is more important than (a) professional opinion from the coach or any medical staff. So North Korea frames that as a superior system.”

That psychological element has seemingly given the team an edge, but beyond a strong sense of patriotism and years of disciplined work lies the motivation of a life-changing reward.

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“Although we often see North Korea as quite underdeveloped and very much agricultural and people experiencing hardship, those living in Pyongyang are quite different. They are kind of special,” Lee explained.

As an incentive, he said, the regime can give players living outside the capital residence certificates, which are required to enter Pyongyang. At the same time, many players have been given apartments. 

This motivation is not to be underestimated. Life in rural North Korea is tough, with shortages in food and health care reportedly common. Living in the big city is quite different. 

“This is a way to change their life. It’s kind of winning a lottery in a way,” Lee explained.

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What next for talented generation?

For star players such as Yu Jong-hyang, topscorer at the 2025 U-17 World Cup, or Choe Il-son, a key player in both U-17 and U-20 World Cup victories in 2024, the instinctive reaction is to wonder which WSL (English top division) or NWSL(US top division) team will be trying to sign her, but that would be to forget the context in which she both lives and plays.

“I don’t think it’s impossible, but not so easy,” Lee said of the idea of either stars playing abroad. 

“First of all, (there are) the economic sanctions now imposed on North Korea,” he added. “And also, whenever North Korean players joined a European league — there were a few occasions in basketball where any salary was not sent to the individual account of the players or the agent, but it goes to North Korea’s government account, so I think that’s another complexity involved.”

While much about this team, like the country, remains a mystery, there is no denying that success at the youth level has always been the plan.

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Edited by: Chuck Penfold

This article was originally published on September 9, 2024. It was updated on November 9, 2025 to reflect North Korea’s U-17 World Cup title win. It was also updated on September 4, 2026 ahead of the kickoff of the U-20 World Cup in Poland.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is embarking on a series of cricket assignments starting Sunday. He will feature in the Duleep Trophy final, followed by the India vs Afghanistan T20I series and then the Asian Games. From October, he will be expected to play against the West Indies and New Zealand. While Sooryavanshi looks set to be one of the main choices as far as T20Is are concerned, a report by news agency PTI said that he is currently not “in the red-ball scheme of things as far as the national team is concerned.”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia on Thursday said the board wants young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and other emerging prospects to build long and successful careers like legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar. The 15-year-old is being provided with the right guidance and support to ensure he does not become a “one-series or one-year wonder”.

The BCCI held a review meeting on Thursday, which was attended by Secretary Devajit Saikia, India Test and ODI skipper Shubman Gill, T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, head coach Gautam Gambhir, Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman, and other top BCCI officials at the board’s headquarters in Mumbai.

Among other matters discussed at the meeting, Saikia said the BCCI is closely monitoring Sooryavanshi and other young prospects, with the board focused on providing them with the right guidance and support to help them build long and successful international careers.

“You see, the BCCI can be proud that we are promoting a player at the age of 15 who is already making his mark on the international stage, and we are very cautious that he takes every right step forward so that he does not become a one-series or one-year wonder. We want Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, or any player of his stature, to continue and serve the country like Sachin Tendulkar did, and like other players who became legends in the past. So, we look at Vaibhav in a very serious manner. He is monitored from every angle and at every step he takes forward in his international career. The BCCI is taking a very close look at his future,” Saikia said.

At just 15, Sooryavanshi has enjoyed a remarkable run in cricket. Recently, at the age of 15 years and 157 days, he became the youngest player to score a half-century in the history of the Duleep Trophy, breaking a 57-year-old record.

He also scored 151 runs in three matches against Zimbabwe to claim his maiden Player of the Series award as India completed a 3-0 clean sweep.

With ANI inputs

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Kai Sotto looks on during Gilas Pilipinas’ game vs Iran in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–As Kai Sotto keeps everyone guessing about his future, he’s glad to have played a big part in Gilas Pilipinas’ home sweep in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

“When I found out that I could play in this window, I just took pride in just trying to win these two games,” Sotto told The Inquirer shortly after Gilas defeated Iran last Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Sotto’s national team return after almost two years proved to be just what the doctor ordered, his presence providing a different dimension to a Gilas team that was sorely missing the 7-foot-3 star.

READ: Tim Cone tells NBA hopeful Kai Sotto: ‘I’ll talk to Miami’

He posted a double-double in both games, swatting Abdullah Olajuwon’s potential basket to preserve an overtime win over Jordan and dominating Iran underneath to revive Gilas’ World Cup bid.

“I have a lot of confidence in myself that if I play for the national team, I can help a lot in winning our games,” he continued. “It’s a lot of pressure, but that’s the pressure that I’m willing to take.

The stint also allowed Sotto to resume his team-up with AJ Edu, who was also key in the twin wins, as well as forming a nucleus with mainstay Dwight Ramos and Juan Gomez de Liano, who appeared to have solidified his spot in the rotation.

“I’m so blessed to be able to join this team and I’m so happy that we’re slowly seeing the future of our national team,” Sotto said.

The window gave Gilas some confidence-booster heading into the final two windows. But the question is whether Sotto will be there to lead the squad.

READ: Kai Sotto made Gilas Pilipinas’ home sweep possible, says Cone

Recent discussion has been about the reported move to the US NCAA Division I for Texas A&M that was denied due to his professional earnings in recent years.

There’s been clamor as well for Sotto to be the 12th man for Gilas in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, though it appears to be a long shot at this point.

When asked if the November window of the Qualifiers is a possibility, Sotto played coy.

“August pa lang e (It’s only August),” Sotto said before walking away.

The New York Yankees visit the San Diego Padres on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 4:15 p.m. PT from Petco Park, San Diego, CA.

The Yankees enter at 80-61 (.567), while the Padres sit at 74-67 (.525). Robbie Ray (11-7, 3.14 ERA in 149 innings) takes the mound for the Padres, opposed by Carlos Rodón (4-3, 3.20 ERA). The Yankees’ 3.23 ERA is the lowest in the MLB in the 2026 regular season.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Yankees vs. Padres

Players to Watch

With San Diego chasing a Wild Card spot and facing the American League’s top ERA staff, Tatis stands out as the Padres hitter most capable of changing the game with one swing or one burst on the bases. He leads the club among projected starters with a .282 average and 31 steals, and he is tied for second on the team with 70 RBI.

His recent form gives this matchup extra weight. Over his last 25 games, Tatis has hit .290 with a .345 on-base percentage and a .680 slugging percentage, piling up 11 home runs, five steals, 20 RBI and 21 runs. He also homered twice on Tuesday. If that hot stretch carries into this one, San Diego’s offense gets a real chance to crack a Yankees pitching group that has allowed a .225 opponent average and a .659 opponent OPS this season.

In a matchup where New York may need one big middle-of-the-order blow against Robbie Ray, Rice is the Yankees bat that jumps off the page. He leads the team with 36 home runs and 88 RBI, and he brings the kind of left-handed power that can flip a tight game in a hurry.

His season line backs up the impact. Rice is hitting .257 with a .349 on-base percentage and a .526 slugging percentage, giving the Yankees their most productive power source among projected starters. That matters against a Padres staff that has been solid overall but has still allowed 155 home runs and owns a 1.292 WHIP. If Rice gets a mistake in the zone, he is the hitter most likely to turn it into instant separation for New York.

Yankees vs. Padres Odds

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Javokhir Sindarov knows the ultimate challenge awaits him later this year when he takes on defending champion D Gukesh for the world crown, but the Uzbek chess prodigy says his preparations for the showdown will begin only after this month’s Chess Olympiad.

Sindarov will face Gukesh in a battle for the world crown between two 20-year-olds in Geneva over 14 classical games from November 24 to December 12.

However, the Uzbek is currently keeping his focus firmly on the tournaments immediately ahead, rather than allowing the much-anticipated title clash to dominate his thoughts.

“Right now, I’m focusing on my next events — the Global Chess League and the Olympiad. After those, I will start preparing for the World Championship match,” Sindarov, who will represent Fyers American Gambits in the fourth edition of GCL, said during a media interaction here.

The GCL will be held here from September 5 to 13, followed by the Olympiad from September 15 to 27 in Samarkand.

Sindarov earned his shot at the world title by winning this year’s Candidates Tournament with a round to spare, producing one of the most dominant performances in recent memory as he strung together four consecutive victories against elite opposition.

His preparations for the Geneva clash are being overseen by coach Roman Vidonyak and it is believed that he is unlikely to tinker much with the formula that has already brought Sindarov considerable success.

Gearing up for GCL His team’s icon player, Sindarov further said he was treating the franchise event like any other tournament despite its different format.

“It’s a completely different format, but I try to play my best chess in every tournament. My team works behind the scenes while I focus on the event in front of me,” he said.

In GCL, six franchises compete in a double round-robin league stage before the knockouts are held to determine the champion.

Each team fields six players across six boards at the same time in a match. The teams consist of one Icon, two Superstar Men, two Superstar Women, and one Prodigy player.

The league uses rapid time control, with 20 minutes per player and a two-second increment from move 41. A win with Black earns four Game Points, compared with three for a win with White. A draw earns one point for each player.

The Indian football team are set to take on Brazil in a much-anticipated international friendly on October 3 in Kolkata, with the five-time world champions set to make their first appearance against India at senior international level. Ahead of the much-anticipated clash, Brazil’s former World Cup-winning captain Cafu offered his perspective on the contest, saying that modern football has made it possible for teams of different levels to compete on more equal terms despite a significant gap in the FIFA rankings.

Brazil are currently ranked fifth in the world, while India sit much lower (138th position), making the Kolkata fixture the highest-ranked opposition the Indian team have faced since the FIFA World Rankings were introduced in 1992. Cafu, however, believes rankings cannot fully determine what happens on the pitch, pointing to the performances of smaller nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as evidence of how international football has changed.

Cafu backs India to benefit from Brazil test

Cafu believes the fixture can provide Indian football with more than just the occasion of hosting one of the most decorated national teams in the sport.

The former Brazil captain said India can learn considerably from facing a side with five World Cup titles, while recognising that there remains a sizeable difference between the two countries in the FIFA rankings. His assessment was that the modern game has become more competitive, meaning teams cannot simply be judged by their position on the rankings table.

That was the context behind his view that India can approach the game as a valuable learning experience rather than being overwhelmed by Brazil’s pedigree.

World Cup examples show changing football landscape

Cafu’s argument about the narrowing gap in international football was based partly on what he saw at the 2026 World Cup.

He highlighted Curacao and Cape Verde as examples of nations that were able to compete with much higher-ranked opponents during the tournament. While neither country belongs to international football’s traditional elite, their performances showed that smaller nations can now enter major competitions with greater belief and competitiveness.

Cape Verde, in particular, made it through to the round of 32 before narrowly losing 3-2 to Argentina, while Curacao competed at the tournament despite being one of the less established teams on the global stage.

For Cafu, such performances demonstrate why India’s ranking should not automatically define its prospects against Brazil. He believes the growth of international football has created more opportunities for developing nations to test themselves against the best.

Cafu sees opportunity in proposed World Cup expansion

The Brazilian also believes India could benefit if FIFA goes ahead with its proposal to expand the World Cup from 48 teams in 2026 to 64 from the 2030 edition. FIFA has yet to take a final decision on the proposal.

Cafu sees a wider tournament as an opportunity for countries outside the traditional World Cup group to establish stronger connections with leading football nations.

For India, however, greater access to the World Cup would need to be accompanied by development at home. Cafu’s comments pointed towards the importance of creating a broader football culture rather than relying solely on an expanded tournament to improve the country’s international prospects.

Grassroots development key to India’s progress

Cafu believes India’s long-term progress will depend heavily on getting more children involved in football. He called for the sport to be popularised further, with greater encouragement for youngsters to play and more attention paid to successful footballing systems around the world.

The former Brazil full-back pointed to Japan, South Korea and China as examples of Asian nations that invested in football by bringing in Brazilian coaches and players and using that exposure to help develop the sport domestically.

His broader message was that India already has the potential to grow as a footballing nation but needs to build that development from the grassroots level.

Brazil’s World Cup drought and identity concern Cafu

Cafu also turned his attention to the current state of the Brazilian national team, which has not won the World Cup since its 2002 triumph.

The former captain acknowledged that the Brazil team of his era cannot be directly compared with the current generation. During his playing career, Brazil reached three consecutive World Cup finals, winning the tournament in 1994 and 2002.

He nevertheless remains hopeful that Brazil can end its long wait for another World Cup title in the next cycle.

One concern he raised was the increasing tendency for young Brazilian players to move to European clubs at an early age. Cafu believes this can make it harder for them to develop a strong connection with the national team and with Brazilian football culture.

He described that connection as a sense of ‘brasilidade’ an identity and understanding of what it means to represent Brazil.

World Cup success is unpredictable

Cafu also rejected the idea that World Cup success can be reduced to rankings or simply having the strongest squad.

He believes winning the tournament depends on a combination of factors, meaning the team considered the best on paper is not necessarily guaranteed to become champion.

That view is consistent with his assessment of India’s upcoming meeting with Brazil. While he accepts the obvious difference in ranking and pedigree, he believes modern football has created more opportunities for teams to challenge expectations.

For Brazil, the immediate priority remains rebuilding a side capable of challenging for another World Cup title after a prolonged drought.

India set for historic clash vs Brazil

India are set to take on Brazil on October 3 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata as part of a three-match international friendly series. The fixtures will begin with India facing Panama on September 26 in Bengaluru, before the team meets Brazil and then Uruguay on October 6, both in Kolkata.

The Brazil fixture will be historic as it will be the first senior men’s international meeting between India and Brazil. The two countries have previously crossed paths in football, but those encounters involved Brazil XI sides rather than the senior national team.

Brazil, five-time World Cup champions, will therefore provide an unprecedented test for Khalid Jamil’s side. The match will also give Indian players the opportunity to compete against a team ranked among the world’s best and experience the demands of facing one of international football’s most decorated sides.

India vs Pakistan Free Live Telecast And Live Streaming, Women’s Asia Cup 2026: In a blockbuster clash, India take on Pakistan in a Group A match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. Harmanpreet Kaur and Co., who have already advanced to the semi-finals by winning two consecutive matches, will aim to complete a hat-trick of victories when they face their arch-rivals. On the other hand, Fatima Sana-led Pakistan will be eager to register a win and seal a final-four berth. They started their campaign with a 35-run victory over Thailand and now face India in a highly anticipated clash. After this, Pakistan will play Hong Kong in their final group-stage match.

For India, it has been a superb tournament so far. They beat Thailand by a big margin of 94 runs before outplaying Hong Kong by 137 runs to seal a semi-final berth.

When will the India vs Pakistan, Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match take place?

The India vs Pakistan, Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match will take place on Saturday, September 5.

Where will the India vs Pakistan, Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match be held?

The India vs Pakistan, Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

What time will the India vs Pakistan, Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match start?

The India vs Pakistan, Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match will start at 8 PM IST. The toss will take place at 7:30 PM IST.

Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the India vs Pakistan, Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match?

The India vs Pakistan, Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match will be televised live on the Sony Sports Network. Users who do not have a subscription can watch the match for free on DD Sports.

ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026

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LIVE DD Sports (DD Free Dish) #INDvPAK #WomensT20AsiaCup #TeamIndia #Cheer4Bharat

Video Credit : @BCCIWomen @ICC @ImHarmanpreet pic.twitter.com/hUCMr0qFPH

— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) September 5, 2026

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Where to follow the live streaming of the India vs Pakistan, Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match?

The India vs Pakistan, Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match will be streamed live on the Sony LIV app and website.

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster.)

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Former Al-Nassr centre-back Alvaro Gonzalez has revealed how Cristiano Ronaldo’s behavior differs on the pitch compared to inside the dressing room. The pair played 10 games alongside each other on the pitch during the 2022-23 campaign, following Ronaldo’s signing in January 2023.

Despite being in the twilight years of his career, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to wear his heart on his sleeve for Al-Nassr, as seen on multiple occasions over the past three years. The 41-year-old remains one of the best finishers in the world, guiding the Knights of Najd to the Saudi Pro League title last season.

During an interview with Radio MARCA, Gonzalez provided further insights into Ronaldo’s character, stating (via OneFootball):

“Honestly, and after confirming it with other team-mates we’ve had in common, he’s absolutely fantastic inside the dressing room. Inside the dressing room, he’s a completely normal person, approachable and someone who helps you.”

He added:

“From the moment he leaves the dressing room and steps onto the pitch, he completely changes. He’s a competitive beast. Afterwards, we’d go to the jacuzzi, have some laughs and joke around, and it would all be forgotten. People like him and [Lionel] Messi will go down in the history of football.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, who is contracted with Al-Nassr until June 2027, is currently targeting an iconic milestone of 1000 career goals. The Portugal megastar has scored 978 goals in 1333 appearances across all competitions for club and country to date.

“I’ll be able to tell this story, and that was part of it too” – Al-Nassr boss provides his verdict on becoming part of Cristiano Ronaldo’s story

Al-Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou has admitted that he is ‘fortunate’ to be a part of Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic journey, comparing his experience with other top stars, including Ferenc Puskás, Tim Cahill, and Son Heung-min. Postecoglou replaced Jorge Jesus as Al-Nassr’s manager over the summer, following his stints at Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest.

During a recent pre-match press conference, Postecoglou said (h/t Al Nassr Zone):

“When I look back on my career, what stands out to me the most is how incredibly fortunate I’ve been to be part of other people’s journeys. When I was a player, Ferenc Puskás was my coach, and he was one of the greatest players in the history of football.”

“Just being connected to him was amazing for me, because I became a small part of that man’s story, a very, very small part, but still a part of it. With the Australian national team, I worked with Tim Cahill, who is probably the greatest Australian player of all time, so I’m a small part of his story too. And Son Heung-min is the greatest Korean player of all time, and I’m also a small part of his story.”

He continued:

“So, without a doubt, with Cristiano Ronaldo being here, you find yourself thinking: I could become a small part of his story too. And it’s not from a selfish perspective. It’s about my own journey in life, everything I’ve dreamed of doing since I was a kid, and finding yourself connected to these people throughout your career.”

“That was part of the attraction for me… It’s not necessarily that they’ll remember my story alongside theirs, but I’ll be able to tell this story, and that was part of it too.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr have started the season well and are currently second in the Saudi Pro League standings with 12 points from four games. They will next face rivals Al-Ittihad later tonight (September 5).