The official homepage of soccer's world governing body has highlighted North Korea's youth soccer team ahead of the Under-17 World Championships next month in Peru.

Titled "Korean Teenagers Look to Spring a Surprise," the FIFA article on Monday said the North is among the most ready of the 16 teams ahead of its opener against the United States.

A North Korean team official said the event is a good chance for his squad to gain world exposure and that the team is looking for a good run.

The North is in Group C along with Italy, Cote d'Ivoire and the United States.

The North finished second at last year's Asian Under-17 Championships to qualify for the world championships, which will run between September 16 and October 2nd.