North Korea national football team

Men's association football team

This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see North Korea women's national football team.

Korea DPR

Nickname(s)| Chollima
(Korean: 천리마)[1]
Samba of East Asia
(Korean: 동아시아의 삼바)
Association| DPR Korea Football Association
Confederation| AFC (Asia)
Sub-confederation| EAFF (East Asia)
Head coach| Sin Yong-nam
Captain| Jang Kuk-chol
Most caps| Ri Myong-guk (118)
Top scorer| Jong Il-gwan (31)
Home stadium| Kim Il Sung Stadium
FIFA code| PRK

First colours

Second colours

|

FIFA ranking
Current|  115  1 (19 December 2024)[2]
Highest| 57 (November 1993)
Lowest| 181 (October – November 1998)
First international
China 0–1 North Korea
(Beijing, China; 7 October 1956)[3]
Biggest win
North Korea 21–0 Guam
(Taipei, Taiwan; 11 March 2005)
Biggest defeat
Portugal 7–0 North Korea
(Cape Town, South Africa; 21 June 2010)
World Cup
Appearances| 2 (first in 1966)
Best result| Quarter-finals (1966)
AFC Asian Cup
Appearances| 6 (first in 1980)
Best result| Fourth place (1980)
AFC Challenge Cup
Appearances| 3 (first in 2008)
Best result| Champions (2010, 2012)
EAFF E-1 Football Championship
Appearances| 4 (first in 2005)
Best result| Third place (2005, 2015)

Medal record

Asian Games
| 1978 Thailand | Team
| 1990 China | Team
AFC Challenge Cup
|  2012 Nepal | Team
|  2010 Sri Lanka | Team
|  2008 India | Team
EAFF Championship
|  2005 South Korea | Team
|  2015 China | Team
East Asian Games
| 1993 Shanghai | Team

DPR of Korea national football team

Chosŏn'gŭl|

조선민주주의인민공화국 축구 국가대표팀

Hancha|

朝鮮民主主義人民共和國蹴球國家代表팀

Revised Romanization| Joseon Minjujuui Inmin Gonghwaguk Chukgu Gukga Daepyo Tim
McCune–Reischauer| Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'ukku Kukka Taep'yo T'im
Munhwaŏ
Chosŏn'gŭl|

조선민주주의인민공화국 국가종합팀

Hancha|

朝鮮民主主義人民共和國國家綜合팀

Revised Romanization| Joseon Minjujuui Inmin Gonghwaguk Gukga Jonghap Tim
McCune–Reischauer| Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Kukka Chonghap T'im

The North Korea national football team (Munhwaeo Korean: 조선민주주의인민공화국 국가종합팀; North Korean romanisation: Josŏn minjujuŭi inmin konghwaguk kukka chonghap thim; recognized as Korea DPR by FIFA)[6] represents North Korea in men's international football and it is controlled by the DPR Korea Football Association, the governing body for Football in North Korea. The team represents both FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

In their 1966 FIFA World Cup debut, North Korea reached the quarter-finals and beat Italy in the group stage, becoming the first men's Asian team in history to make it past the group stage. During the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, controversy arose when the team's supporters rioted, interfering with the opponents' safe egress from the stadium, because of North Korea's failure to qualify. In 2009, the team qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the second World Cup appearance in their history. North Korea has qualified for the AFC Asian Cup six times; in 1980, when they finished fourth, in 1992, 2011, in 2015, and in 2019. The current team is composed of both native North Koreans and Zainichi Koreans.

## History

[edit]

### North Korea's debut and the 1966 FIFA World Cup

[edit]

The North Korea Football Association was founded in 1945. It became a member of the AFC during the confederation's first year of existence in 1954, and has been affiliated with FIFA since 1958. The first official match of the North Korean national football team was played on 22 March 1964, in Rangoon, against Burma, as part of the 1964 Olympic qualifiers. This first match in the history of the North Korean selection ended in a goalless draw. Thanks to their victory over the Burmese in the second leg, the Chollimas reached the next round against Thailand, a two-legged affair also hosted in Rangoon. They won easily (7–0 over the two matches), but were forced to forfeit the final phase of the tournament because the IOC decided to ban any athlete who participated in the GANEFO—which several footballers from the national team did.[7]

In 1965, the national team took part again in GANEFO, and in 1966 FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time. That year, FIFA decided to place all the selections entered from Africa, Asia and Oceania in a single qualifying group, with the aim of offering only one place. All registered African countries protested by withdrawing from the competition, leaving only North Korea and Australia. The Australians started as favourites, but the North Koreans won both matches (6–1 and 3–1) and qualified for the final phase. The qualification of North Korea posed a diplomatic problem for the organizing country, the United Kingdom; since the Korean War, they had not recognized the legitimacy of the Pyongyang government and would not fly its flag or play its national anthem. The problem was only partly solved before the start of the competition in July 1966; the North Korean flag was flown alongside those of the other participants, but the national anthem was not played before the team's matches.[8]

In the 1966 FIFA World Cup, they were drawn into group 4, along with the USSR, Italy and Chile, the first time North Korea would face teams from another continent. The Chollimas lost their first game against the Soviets, then managed a 1–1 draw against Chile (Pak Seung-zin scoring North Korea's first goal at a World Cup). The last match, against the Italian double world champions, was crucial, as the winner would obtain their ticket to the quarter-finals. The discipline of Myung Rye-hyun's men managed to secure them a historic 1–0 upset victory with a goal from Pak Doo-ik. This was the first time an Asian team qualified for the quarter-finals of a World Cup. At the same time, the public began to take an interest in these disciplined players from a closed country. They were cheered on by locals in the town of Middlesbrough, where they were housed, including the team's star players, Pak Seung-zin and Pak Doo-ik.[9][10] In the quarter-finals, North Korea faced Portugal, which had eliminated reigning world champions Brazil in the group stage. After 25 minutes of play, the Koreans led 3–0 (goals from Pak Seung-zin, Yang Seung-kook and Li Dong-woon) but began to lose their discipline. Portuguese star player Eusébio went on to score four goals, and José Augusto added another to defeat North Korea 5–3. When the North Korean players returned home, the crowd cheered them on as heroes. Pak Seung-zin remains North Korea's top scorer in the FIFA World Cup with two goals in four games.[citation needed]

Thirty-five years later, British director Dan Gordon, made a film called The Game of Their Lives after finding the seven surviving players of the 1966 side, who had become favourites with the British public and were celebrated as heroes on their return to their country. The film screened in North Korea and South Korea and received the award for Best Sports Documentary from the Royal Television Society.

### After the FIFA World Cup (1967–1980)

[edit]

Following the FIFA World Cup, North Korea only rarely took part in the qualifying campaigns for the various continental and world tournaments. The Chollimas forfeited the 1968 Olympic qualifiers, and failed to enter the 1968 AFC Asian Cup qualification and 1970 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when they refused to face the Israeli team in the second round of the playoffs. Between their World Cup quarter-final and 1971, they played only one friendly against Algeria, losing 3–1 in Algiers. This meeting was the first in the history of the North Korean team against an African side.

The North Koreans played their first official game since 1966 in 1972, as part of the 1972 Olympic qualifiers. They defeated Syria and Iraq, but ended up losing against Iran 2–0 in a play-off match, following 0–0 draws in both of the first two legs. They decided again not to register for the 1972 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. In May 1973, Pak Seung-zin's men were in Tehran to play the first phase of the 1974 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They were in Group 2, along with host nation Iran, Syria and Kuwait. The team finished third in the group, behind the Iranians, who qualified for the rest of the competition, and Syria.

North Korea took part in Asian Cup qualification for the first time in 1976. Placed in group 4-B, with Japan and Singapore, the Chollimas finished first, then beat Hong Kong in the semi-finals, ensuring their participation in the tournament proper, then beating China in the final match. But, like Saudi Arabia and Thailand, the North Koreans withdrew and missed the opportunity to take part in the continental tournament for the first time.

The following year, under the direction of former striker Pak Doo-ik, the team qualified for the Olympic football tournament for the second time. They finished first during qualification and advanced following a penalty shootout against Indonesia. In Montreal, they were placed in Group 3 with hosts Canada and the USSR. The North Koreans beat Canada 3–1, then lost to the Soviets 0–3, but still qualified for the quarter-finals in second. They failed again at this stage, suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat against future silver medalist team Poland. They played the last half hour with ten men against the Poles, led by Grzegorz Lato and Andrzej Szarmach, who each scored twice.

The following two qualifying campaigns, for the 1978 FIFA World Cup and for the 1980 Olympics, were failures. The former was cut short with a withdrawal for diplomatic reasons, the North Koreans finding themselves in the same qualifying group as their southern neighbors, and in 1980, the Chollimas finished in 4th place in Group 3 of the pre-tournament, overtaken by Iran, Singapore and China.

In 1980, this time with Yang Seung-kook on the bench, the North Koreans took part in 1980 AFC Asian Cup qualification which saw successes against Thailand and Malaysia. They finished in second place in Group 1 of the 1980 AFC Asian Cup, behind defending champions Iran. In the semi-finals, they faced South Korea in an event of both sporting and political significance. After opening the scoring early, North Korea conceded two goals by Chung Hae-won in the last ten minutes and saw their journey come to an end in the semi-final, their best performance in the Asian Cup of Nations. The game for third place was a disaster, with a 3–0 defeat against Iran.

### From one Asian Cup to another (1981–1992)

[edit]

In 1980, with former international Han Bong-zin on the bench, the North Koreans moved on to 1982 FIFA World Cup qualification. After finishing top of their group (ahead of Hong Kong and Singapore), they eliminated Japan in the semi-finals but lost to China in the group final, ending any hopes of qualification. The following year, the selection participated in the 1982 Asian Games. North Korean progressed through the first round (drawing against Syria and Saudi Arabia and victory against Thailand), then beat Japan in the quarter-finals. They lost in extra time in the semi-finals, against Kuwait. The end of the match was extremely turbulent as the North Korean players attacked Thai referee Vijit Getkaew. The penalties from the AFC were heavy with a two-year suspension, which began as soon as the match ended, therefore they did not even play the match for the bronze medal, which automatically went to Saudi Arabia, the other unfortunate semi-finalists. The immediate consequence of this decision by the AFC, was the disqualification of North Korea from the 1984 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and from the 1984 Olympic qualifiers which were boycotted by North Korea.

The selection therefore spent almost four years without playing official matches. For the 1986 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, they entered Group 4 alongside Japan and Singapore, two nations they had beaten four years previously. This time, it was the Japanese, led by Hiromi Hara, who finished top of the group and continued their qualifying campaign.

In 1988, North Korea did not participate in the 1988 Olympic tournament. North Korea had initially asked to be involved in the Games, a request refused by the International Olympic Committee, resulting in their boycott of the Games. As for the 1988 AFC Asian Cup qualification, North Korea only placed third in their qualifying group, behind Syria and Iran, both of which qualified for the tournament.

In 1990, North Korea took part in the inaugural 1990 Dynasty Cup. North Korea finished in third place. The following year, in the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, North Korea finished top of their first-round pool, winning all three of their home matches. In the final round, North Korea finished last, winning only one game, against Qatar.

Two years later, in 1991, the federation hired a foreign manager for the first time: Hungarian Pál Csernai, the former coach of Bayern Munich. North Korea finished the 1992 AFC Asian Cup qualification in first, ahead of Macao, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei. It thus qualified for the Asian Cup for the second time, twelve years after its successful debut in Kuwait. Csernai's team were drawn into Group 1, along with hosts Japan, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. This time, their tournament ended in the first round, finishing without a win and with only two goals scored, both by Kim Kwang-min.

North Korea entered 1992 Olympic qualifiers after two consecutive withdrawals. Placed in Group E, Pyongyang was chosen, along with Beijing, to host the qualifying matches. Once again, the final tournament escaped them, finishing in second place behind China. Right after the Games, the team took part in the 1992 Dynasty Cup. Like two years before, the team finished on the third step of the podium, behind Japan and South Korea.

### Withdrawal period (1993–2005)

[edit]

Invigorated by their participation in the final phase of the 1992 AFC Asian Cup, Csernai's men turned to qualification for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Placed into Group C, North Korea finished undefeated, ahead of Qatar, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. The next round took the form of a single pool bringing together the six winners of the first round, the matches again held in Doha. Unfortunately for the North Koreans, after an inaugural victory against Iraq (3–2), they suffered four defeats in a row. Csernai left his post after the last meeting and left for Europe without returning to Pyongyang, and the federation put the national team on hold for more than four years. During this period, which saw North Korea tumble in the FIFA rankings, they choose not to register for any competition. This period of withdrawal coincided with the North Korean famine (1994–1998), which caused hundreds of thousands of deaths, as well as the official three-year mourning following the death of President Kim Il Sung in 1994 and the accession to power of his son Kim Jong Il.

North Korea made their return to official games in 2000 AFC Asian Cup qualification. Placed into Group 8 along with Thailand, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei, Myong Dong-chan's men only lost to the Thais, and booked their ticket for the final tournament. They continued with the 2000 Olympic qualification but they finished second in their group, failing to advance. Following this, the federation again decided to sideline the team, withdrawing it from the qualifiers for the 2002 FIFA World Cup and for the 2003 EAFC.

In 2003, it was with Yun Jong-su on the bench that the North Koreans started the 2004 AFC Asian Cup qualification. After a preliminary round where they defeated the Indian team, the Chollimas finished last in the second round. These playoffs were marked by two incidents: first, during the game against Iran, where the North Koreans left the field as a result of smoke bombs which landed on the field; second, when North Korea refused to issue the Jordanian players visas, leading to the AFC granting Jordan a 3–0 victory and suspending North Korea from all competition in Asia for a year, including the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.

In 2005, the North Koreans returned to the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, twelve years after their last campaign. Placed in Group 5 in the second round, they finished top. In the next round, they saw their journey come to an end, finishing last behind Japan, Iran, and Bahrain. A few months later, North Korea returned to the 2005 East Asian Football Championship, thirteen years after their last participation. In the qualifying round, the North Koreans broke their record for biggest victory with a 21–0 victory against Guam. As in the 1990 and 1992 editions, the Chollimas finished on the podium, in third place, behind China and Japan, whom they beat 1–0 in the first match of the final round.

### First title and return to the FIFA World Cup (2006–2010)

[edit]

The sanction imposed by the AFC on North Korea deprived it of participation in the qualifications for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. With coach Kim Jong-hun at its head, the selection entered the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, a competition reserved for so-called developing nations by the AFC and whose winner obtained direct qualification for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. The North Korean selection had a good run which ended on the third step of the podium, after a defeat in the semi-finals against Tajikistan then a big success (4–0) in the third-placed match against Myanmar.

North Korea and Portugal players before their 2010 FIFA World Cup group match, in which North Korea suffered its heaviest-ever defeat.

In the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Chollimas easily dismissed Mongolia (4–1 and 5–1) then finished second behind South Korea, without any defeats or even conceding a goal in the third round. North Korea again finished second behind South Korea in the fourth round, thus qualifying for the World Cup for only the second time. During these qualifiers there were diplomatic incidents with South Korea after Kim Jong Il refused to have the South Korean national anthem played, or even to fly the flag in the country, the two meetings against the Taeguk Warriors had to be relocated to China. At the end of the year, the North Koreans managed to qualify for the 2008 East Asian Football Championship, after beating Hong Kong. During this four-man final phase played in Chongqing, China, they finished last, with two draws (against Japan and South Korea, who won the tournament, and a defeat against China).

To prepare for the World Cup and get used to the European style of play, the North Korean selection organized a preparation camp in the fall of 2009 in France. On this occasion, they played two friendly matches: against FC Nantes on 9 October at La Roche-sur-Yon (0-0) then against Congo on 13 October at Le Mans (0-0).

In early 2010, a few months before the World Cup, North Korea participated in the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup with the winner automatically qualifying for the final phase of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. The Chollimas, still led by Kim Jong-hun, had an excellent run in the competition. After finishing top of their first round group, ahead of Turkmenistan, they swept Myanmar 5–0 in the semi-finals before winning, after the penalty shootout, again facing the Turkmens in the final. This success allowed them to secure a place in the continental finals, ten years after their last participation. It was also the first title obtained by the men's national team. The following month, in February, the North Koreans engaged in the 2010 East Asian Football Championship where they entered in the second round. For the first time, they did not reach the final pool, beaten on goal difference by Hong Kong.

With a final pre-tournament ranking of 105th, North Korea were the lowest-ranked team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They were drawn in Group G alongside Brazil, Portugal, and Côte d'Ivoire, in what some commentators referred to as a "Group of death".[11] After a 2-1 defeat against Brazil, North Korea were eliminated after losing 7-0 to Portugal, the heaviest defeat in the team's history. After trailing 1–0 at halftime, they conceded six goals in the second half. The match was shown live in North Korea - an exceptionally rare occurrence for a foreign broadcast - but the broadcast was interrupted after Portugal's fourth goal.[12] North Korea went on to lose their final match against Côte d'Ivoire 3-0 to record the worst performance of any team at that year's World Cup.

After the FIFA World Cup, Radio Free Asia reported based on anonymous reports that coach Kim Jong-hun had been punished by being sent to forced labor camps, while some players had been subjected to "harsh ideological criticism".[13][14]

### Successes and difficult times (2011–2022)

[edit]

Six months after the FIFA World Cup, North Korea entered the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. The team managed to draw 0–0 against the United Arab Emirates and two 1–0 defeats against Iran and Iraq. In the fall, the North Koreans entered the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the hope of participating in a second consecutive tournament. They did not enter the competition until the third round, finding themselves in the same group as Japan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan (which benefited from the disqualification of Syria). The Chollimas finished in 3rd place of the group. The round featured the first meeting of the Japanese team and their North Korean counterparts in Pyongyang in 22 years. 150 Japanese supporters were allowed to be present but they received four-hour checks upon their arrival at Pyongyang International Airport, an "icy" reception at Kim Il Sung Stadium, where they were warned not to wave Japanese flags, and had their national anthem booed by the North Korean crowd.[15]

In March 2012, the North Koreans defended the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup with the possibility again to qualify for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. The Chollimas advance to the finals after finishing top of their qualifying group, along with Nepal. In the semi-finals, they beat Palestine and then managed to retain their title, following their success in the final against Turkmenistan. This victory assured them of a second consecutive participation in the AFC Asian Cup, which was a first.

North Korea against Philippines at the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.

The team enjoyed a two-year unbeaten run, after the home defeat against Uzbekistan in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.The Chollimas played in the second round of the 2013 EAFF East Asian Cup but failed to advance on goal difference, coming second to Australia. In November 2013, the unbeaten streak ended with a loss to Kuwait (2–1). They managed to finish first in the 2015 EAFF East Asian Cup qualifying pool, getting their ticket to the finals for the first time since 2008.

A few weeks before the start of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, the North Korean federation relieved Yun Jong-su of his duties, following his suspension of one year decided by the AFC. Jong-su was penalized for his unsportsmanlike behaviour towards the referees during the Asian Games soccer tournament final against South Korea. North Korea left the competition at the end of the group stage, after losing their three matches. Following this competition, the team restored its image by winning several friendly matches before finishing on the podium of the 2015 EAFF East Asian Cup, including a prestigious victory over Japan (2–1).

North Korea players line-up against Lebanon at the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.

In the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, North Korea got off to a flying start by winning their first three games, but failed to qualify for the 3rd round, following a defeat to the Philippines at the very end of the match (2–3, having led 2–1 until the 85th minute) during the final match. North Korea finished in second place in their group with 16 points, but this defeat prevented the Chollima from finishing among the four best runners-up and advancing to the next round. This led to the dismissal of Kim Chang-bok, replaced by Jørn Andersen, the second European coach to manage North Korea after the Hungarian Pál Csernai. The early elimination in World Cup qualifying meant that North Korea had to enter the 3rd qualifying round for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. This qualifying campaign gave rise to a triple postponement by the AFC of the home match against Malaysia, at the request of the Malaysian Federation, fearing the poisoning of its players if they went to North Korea following diplomatic tensions between the two countries - linked to the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the North Korean leader's half-brother, at Kuala Lumpur airport on 13 February 2017. The meetings between the two teams were finally held on neutral ground in Thailand, where North Korea needed two victories to give them a chance to qualify, dominating Malaysia (4–1 and 4–1). At the 2017 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, the Chollima failed to win a single match and finished 4th and last in the final round, with two opening losses against Japan and South Korea (0–1 each time) before ending the competition in a draw (1–1) against China.

In the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, North Korea were swept away by Saudi Arabia (0–4), Qatar (6–0, suffering the second heaviest defeat in its history) and against Lebanon (1–4), leaving the competition with the worst record of the 24 teams involved (three defeats in as many games played, only one goal scored, 14 conceded, and two red cards received). North Korea then participated in the 2nd round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and beat Lebanon (2–0) thanks to a double from Jong Il-gwan. North Korea managed to follow up with a narrow victory in Sri Lanka five days later (1–0) with a goal by Jang Kuk-chol before facing South Korea. For the first time since a friendly match in 1990 and for the first time in a qualifier, the meeting between the two Koreas took place in Pyongyang, however the match was not televised live and no Korean supporters or foreign journalists were allowed to attend the match, which ended in a scoreless draw (0–0), leaving the two teams at the top of Pool H tied. Following the match against their rivals, they lost for the first time in their history against Turkmenistan (1–3) but managed to beat Lebanon 2–0. Five days later, they played Lebanon again, drawing 0–0, preserving their chances of qualifying for the next round. However, North Korea withdrew from qualifying due to fears related to the COVID-19 pandemic.[16][17][18] FIFA and the AFC announced that all results of matches played by North Korea since the start of the 2nd qualifying round and 2023 AFC Asian Cup were void and would not count towards qualification, thus North Korea would not play in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, their first miss out from the event since 2007.

### Return after a long hiatus (2023–present)

[edit]

In August 2023, North Korea announced interests in returning to sporting competitions, including football, and has signalled interests to return to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, where North Korea found themselves in Group B of the second round against Japan, Syria and Myanmar. The country's move was confirmed by FIFA and the AFC as North Korea sought to enhance its football reputation, already damaged due to the isolation related to the pandemic.[19] After more than 5 years of inactive international football, On 16 November 2023, North Korea played against Syria losing 1–0 to them. On 21 November, North Korea thrashed Myanmar 6–1 at the Thuwunna Stadium with Jong Il-gwan scoring a hat-trick in the match.

On 11 June 2024, North Korea advanced to the final round of the FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time since 2010, and qualified to the AFC Asian Cup for the 2027 edition, after missing out in 2023.

## Team image

[edit]

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (November 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

|

North Korea's flag at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Between 2014 and January 2024, the official kit provider for the North Korean national teams was the North Korean sports company Choeusu.[20] In January 2024, Chinese sports brand Inlang became the official kit sponsor.[21]

Period  | Kit Provider

|

0000–1993  |  Admiral
1998–2002  |  Fila
2002–2003  |  Lotto
2003–2005  |  Adidas
2005–2006  |  Umbro
2006–2008  |  Hummel
2008–2010  |  ERKE
2010–2014  |  Legea
2014–2024  |  Ch'oeusu
2024–present  |  Inlang

### Stadium

[edit]

North Korea plays their home matches at the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium on Rungra Island, Pyongyang. It is the second largest stadium in the world with a capacity of 114,000. However, North Korea mostly used the Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang as their main stadium. Since 2019, North Korea had since used to host their home matches as a neutral ground all over Asia.

North Korea national football team home stadiums

Image  | Stadium  | Capacity  | Location  | Last match
| Rungrado 1st of May Stadium | 114,000  | Pyongyang | v Jordan (14 June 2010; 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification)
| Kim Il Sung Stadium | 50,000  | Pyongyang | v South Korea (15 October 2019; 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification)

### Neutral venue

[edit]

List of neutral venue grounds for North Korea in the FIFA World Cup qualifications and AFC Asian Cup qualifications

North Korea neutral home stadiums

Image  | Stadium  | Capacity  | Location  | Last match
| New Laos National Stadium | 25,000  | Vientiane, Laos | v Uzbekistan (19 November 2024; 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification)

## Results and fixtures

[edit]

Main article: North Korea national football team results

Win Draw Loss Fixture

### 2024

[edit]

Zhejiang v  North Korea 29 January Hybrid friendly|  Zhejiang | 2–3|  North Korea | Haikou, China

|
|
|
|

* Abdusalam
* Owusu-Sekyere

|  |

* Jong Il-gwan
*   *

Zhejiang v  North Korea 4 February Hybrid friendly|  Zhejiang | 2–2|  North Korea | Haikou, China

|
|
|
|

* Owusu-Sekyere
* Gao Di

|  |  |

Shanghai Port v  North Korea 9 February Hybrid friendly|  Shanghai Port | 2–3|  North Korea | Haikou, China

|
|
|
|

Japan v  North Korea 21 March 2026 World Cup qualification R2|  Japan | 1–0|  North Korea | Tokyo, Japan

|
|
|
|

19:23 UTC+9 | Tanaka 2' | Report (FIFA)
Report (AFC) |  | Stadium: Japan National Stadium
Attendance: 59,354
Referee: Adel Al-Naqbi (United Arab Emirates)

North Korea v  Japan 26 March 2026 World Cup qualification R2|  North Korea | 0–3
Awarded[note 1]|  Japan | Pyongyang, North Korea

|
|
|
|

|  | Report |  | Stadium: Kim Il Sung Stadium

North Korea v  Syria 6 June 2026 World Cup qualification R2|  North Korea | 1–0|  Syria | Vientiane, Laos[note 2]

|
|
|
|

20:00 UTC+7 |

* Jong Il-gwan 90+2'

| Report |  | Stadium: New Laos National Stadium
Attendance: 100
Referee: Salman Ahmad Falahi (Qatar)

North Korea v  Myanmar 11 June 2026 World Cup qualification R2|  North Korea | 4–1|  Myanmar | Vientiane, Laos[note 2]

|
|
|
|

20:00 UTC+7 |

* Ri Il-song 12'
* Ri Jo-guk 16', 43', 87' (pen.)

| Report |

* Wai Lin Aung 57'

| Stadium: New Laos National Stadium
Attendance: 141
Referee: Shen Yinhao (China)

Jordan v  North Korea 27 August Friendly|  Jordan | 0–0|  North Korea | Amman, Jordan

|
|
|
|

19:00 UTC+3 |  | Report |  | Stadium: Petra Stadium
Attendance: 0
Note: The match was held behind closed doors.

Jordan v  North Korea 29 August Friendly|  Jordan | 2–1|  North Korea | Amman, Jordan

|
|
|
|

19:00 UTC+3 |

* Olwan

| Report |  | Stadium: Amman International Stadium
Attendance: 0
Note: The match was held behind closed doors.

Uzbekistan v  North Korea 5 September 2026 World Cup qualification R3|  Uzbekistan | 1–0|  North Korea | Tashkent, Uzbekistan

|
|
|
|

19:00 UTC+5 |

* Masharipov 20'

| Report |  | Stadium: Milliy Stadium
Attendance: 24,205
Referee: Ahmed Al-Kaf (Oman)

North Korea v  Qatar 10 September 2026 World Cup qualification R3|  North Korea | 2–2|  Qatar | Vientiane, Laos[note 3]

|
|
|
|

19:00 UTC+7 |

* Ri Il-song 19'
* Kang Kuk-chol 52'

| Report |

* Afif 31' (pen.)
* Ali 44'

| Stadium: New Laos National Stadium
Attendance: 140
Referee: Nazmi Nasaruddin (Malaysia)

United Arab Emirates v  North Korea 10 October 2026 World Cup qualification R3|  United Arab Emirates | 1–1|  North Korea | Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

|
|
|
|

20:00 UTC+4 |

* Al-Ghassani 66'

| Report |

* Jong Il-gwan 86'

| Stadium: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium
Attendance: 8,536
Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan)

Kyrgyzstan v  North Korea 15 October 2026 World Cup qualification R3|  Kyrgyzstan | 1–0|  North Korea | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

|
|
|
|

20:00 UTC+6 |

* Brauzman 11'

| Report |  | Stadium: Dolen Omurzakov Stadium
Attendance: 9,769
Referee: Khaled Al-Hoish (Saudi Arabia)

North Korea v  Iran 14 November 2026 World Cup qualification R3|  North Korea | 2–3|  Iran | Vientiane, Laos

|
|
|
|

19:00 UTC+7 |

* Taremi 56' (o.g.)
* Kim Yu-song 59'

| Report |

* Ghayedi 29'
* Mohebbi 41', 45'

| Stadium: New Laos National Stadium
Referee: Sadullo Gulmurodi (Tajikistan)

North Korea v  Uzbekistan 19 November 2026 World Cup qualification R3|  North Korea | 0–1|  Uzbekistan | Vientiane, Laos

|
|
|
|

19:00 UTC+7 |  | Report |

* Fayzullaev 44'

| Stadium: New Laos National Stadium
Referee: Ahmed Al-Ali (Kuwait)

Guam v  North Korea 8 December 2025 EAFF E-1 preliminary|  Guam | Cancelled|  North Korea | Mong Kok, Hong Kong

|
|
|
|

14:00 UTC+8 |  |  |  | Stadium: Mong Kok Stadium
Note: North Korea withdrew shortly after the draw

North Korea v  Macau 14 December 2025 EAFF E-1 preliminary|  North Korea | Cancelled|  Macau | Mong Kok, Hong Kong

|
|
|
|

14:00 UTC+8 |  |  |  | Stadium: Mong Kok Stadium
Note: North Korea withdrew shortly after the draw

### 2025

[edit]

Surkhon Termez v  North Korea 25 January Hybrid friendly|  Surkhon Termez | 1–3|  North Korea | Antalya, Turkey

|
|
|
|

18:00 UTC+3 |

* Kolesnichenko 51'

| Report |

* Ri Jo-Guk 69', 82'
* Ri Kwang-myong 75'

| Stadium: Arslan Zeki Demirci Sports Complex

Gjilani v  North Korea 28 January Hybrid friendly|  Gjilani | Cancelled|  North Korea | Antalya, Turkey

|
|
|
|

\--:-- UTC+3 |  |  |  |

Tyumen v  North Korea 2 February Hybrid friendly|  Tyumen | 0–1|  North Korea | Antalya, Turkey

|
|
|
|

13:00 UTC+3 |  | Report |

* Kang Kuk-chol 25' (pen.)

Baltika Kaliningrad v  North Korea 4 February Hybrid friendly|  Baltika Kaliningrad | 1–1|  North Korea | Antalya, Turkey

|
|
|
|

18:00 UTC+3 |

* Chernov 9'

| Report |

* Ri Jo-guk 11'

AGMK v  North Korea 7 February Hybrid friendly|  AGMK | 0–1|  North Korea | Antalya, Turkey

|
|
|
|

\--:-- UTC+3 |  |  |

* Jang Kuk-chol

| Stadium: Arslan Zeki Demirci Sports Complex

Leningradets v  North Korea 11 February Hybrid friendly|  Leningradets | 3–2|  North Korea | Antalya, Turkey

|
|
|
|

\--:-- UTC+3 |

* Kazakov 8'
* Barkov 60'
* Markelov 85'

| Report |

* Ri Kwang-myong 13'
* Paek Chung-song 88'

Rubin Kazan v  North Korea 14 February Hybrid friendly|  Rubin Kazan | 1–4|  North Korea | Antalya, Turkey

|
|
|
|

17:00 UTC+3 |

* Čumić 78'

| Report |

* Pak Kwang-hun 44'
* Kim Sung-hye 50'
* Ri Kum chol 71', 80'

| Stadium: Calista Football Centre

Kazakhstan v  North Korea 17 February Friendly|  Kazakhstan | 0–2|  North Korea | Antalya, Turkey

|
|
|
|

17:00 UTC+3 |  |  |

* Ri Il-song 70', 90+5'

| Stadium: Titanic Deluxe Belek Football Center

Qizilqum v  North Korea 18 February Hybrid friendly|  Qizilqum | 0–1|  North Korea | Antalya, Turkey

|
|
|
|

\--:-- UTC+3 |  |  |

* Kim Sung-hye 60'

| Stadium: Arslan Zeki Demirci Sports Complex

Jordan v  North Korea 14 March Friendly|  Jordan | v|  North Korea | Amman, Jordan

|
|
|
|

\--:-- UTC+3 |  | Report |  | Stadium: TBD

Qatar v  North Korea 20 March 2026 World Cup qualification R3|  Qatar | v|  North Korea | Doha, Qatar

|
|
|
|

21:15 UTC+3 |  |  |  | Stadium: Jassim bin Hamad Stadium

North Korea v  United Arab Emirates 25 March 2026 World Cup qualification R3|  North Korea | v|  United Arab Emirates | TBD

|
|
|
|

\--:-- |  |  |  |

North Korea v  Kyrgyzstan 5 June 2026 World Cup qualification R3|  North Korea | v|  Kyrgyzstan | TBD

|
|
|
|

\--:-- |  |  |  |

Iran v  North Korea 10 June 2026 World Cup qualification R3|  Iran | v|  North Korea | Tehran, Iran

|
|
|
|

\--:-- UTC+3:30 |  |  |  | Stadium: Azadi Stadium

## Coaching staff

[edit]

Role  | Name

|

Head coach  |  Sin Yong-nam
Assistant coaches  |  Pak Nam-chol
Kim Kum-il
Goalkeeping coach  |  Ri Myong-guk
Match analyst  |  Choe Gwan-il
Performance coach  |  Pak Kuk-myong
Team doctors  |  Jang Il-bom
Song Jong-chol
Physiotherapists  |  Choe Nam-kuk
Kim Myong-il
Ri Song-pyong
Yun Kuk-hyong
Team coordinator  |  Ri Chol-myong
Technical director  |  Yun Jong-su

## Players

[edit]

### Current squad

[edit]

The following players were called up for the training camp in Turkey from January to February 2025.[27]

* All caps and goals as of 17 February 2025, after match against  Kazakhstan.

No. | Pos. | Player  | Date of birth (age)  | Caps  | Goals  | Club

|
|
|
|
|
|

1  | 1GK | Kang Ju-hyok |  (1997-05-31) 31 May 1997 (age 27) | 12  | 0  |  Hwaebul
21  | 1GK | Yu Kwang-jun |  (2000-11-05) 5 November 2000 (age 24) | 2  | 0  |  Ryomyong

* * *

2  | 2DF | Kim Jin-hyok |  (2002-03-25) 25 March 2002 (age 22) | 1  | 0  |  Sonbong
3  | 2DF | Jang Kuk-chol (captain) |  (1994-02-16) 16 February 1994 (age 31) | 72  | 5  |  Hwaebul
5  | 2DF | Jong Hwi-nam |  | 1  | 0  |  Unknown
16  | 2DF | Kim Yu-song |  (2003-07-18) 18 July 2003 (age 21) | 12  | 1  |  Amnokgang
19  | 2DF | Kim Sung-hye |  (2003-01-15) 15 January 2003 (age 22) | 2  | 0  |  Sonbong
23  | 2DF | Jong Kum-song |  (1997-01-24) 24 January 1997 (age 28) | 4  | 0  |  Rimyongsu

* * *

6  | 3MF | Kye Tam |  (2000-10-06) 6 October 2000 (age 24) | 3  | 0  |  Ryomyong
7  | 3MF | Sin Kwang-nam |  (2003-11-01) 1 November 2003 (age 21) | 1  | 0  |  Unknown
15  | 3MF | Ro Myong-song |  (1995-01-02) 2 January 1995 (age 30) | 1  | 0  |  Rimyongsu
17  | 3MF | Kang Kuk-chol |  (1999-09-29) 29 September 1999 (age 25) | 26  | 1  |  Rimyongsu
20  | 3MF | Paek Chung-song |  (2000-02-25) 25 February 2000 (age 25) | 12  | 0  |  Ryomyong
22  | 3MF | O Chung Guk |  (1998-03-06) 6 March 1998 (age 26) | 0  | 0  |  Unknown

* * *

4  | 4FW | Ri Kum-chol |  (2004-03-25) 25 March 2004 (age 20) | 1  | 0  |  April 25
8  | 4FW | Kim Kuk-jin |  (2000-10-11) 11 October 2000 (age 24) | 9  | 0  |  Kigwancha
9  | 4FW | Ri Jo-guk |  (2002-05-09) 9 May 2002 (age 22) | 8  | 3  |  Ryomyong
10  | 4FW | Ri Il-song |  (2004-01-14) 14 January 2004 (age 21) | 11  | 4  |  Ryomyong
11  | 4FW | Pak Kwang-hun |  (1997-04-18) 18 April 1997 (age 27) | 3  | 0  |  Rimyongsu
12  | 4FW | Choe Ryong-il |  (2004-03-22) 22 March 2004 (age 20) | 0  | 0  |  April 25
14  | 4FW | Ri Kwang-myong |  (2005-04-12) 12 April 2005 (age 19) | 1  | 0  |  Unknown

### Recent call-ups

[edit]

The following players have been called up for the team within the last 12 months and are still available for selection.

Pos. | Player  | Date of birth (age)  | Caps  | Goals  | Club  | Latest call-up

|
|
|
|
|
|

GK | Sin Tae-song |  (2000-05-30) 30 May 2000 (age 24) | 0  | 0  |  April 25 | v.  Uzbekistan, 19 November 2024

* * *

DF | Kim Pom-hyok |  (2000-04-15) 15 April 2000 (age 24) | 9  | 0  |  Ryomyong | v.  Uzbekistan, 19 November 2024
DF | Choe Ok-chol |  (1998-11-11) 11 November 1998 (age 26) | 11  | 0  |  Kigwancha | v.  Uzbekistan, 19 November 2024
DF | Kim Kyong-sok |  (2000-02-19) 19 February 2000 (age 25) | 1  | 0  |  Sonbong | v.  Japan, 26 March 2024
DF | Choe Jin-nam |  (1998-11-20) 20 November 1998 (age 26) | 1  | 0  |  Ryomyong | v.  Japan, 26 March 2024

* * *

MF | Kim Kum-chol |  (2003-03-10) 10 March 2003 (age 21) | 0  | 0  |  Kigwancha | v.  Uzbekistan, 19 November 2024
MF | Ri Hun |  (1997-08-31) 31 August 1997 (age 27) | 2  | 0  |  Ryomyong | v.  Uzbekistan, 19 November 2024
MF | Ri Un-chol |  (1995-07-13) 13 July 1995 (age 29) | 34  | 1  |  Kigwancha | v.  Uzbekistan, 19 November 2024
MF | Kim Kuk-bom |  (1995-02-19) 19 February 1995 (age 30) | 20  | 0  |  Ryomyong | v.  Kyrgyzstan, 15 October 2024
MF | Mun In-ju |  (1999-08-22) 22 August 1999 (age 25) | 1  | 0  |  FC Gifu | v.  Japan, 26 March 2024
MF | Kim Hyon |  (2000-03-06) 6 March 2000 (age 24) | 0  | 0  |  Amnokgang | v.  Japan, 21 March 2024PRE

* * *

FW | Han Kwang-song |  (1998-09-11) 11 September 1998 (age 26) | 21  | 2  |  April 25 | v.  Uzbekistan, 19 November 2024
FW | Jong Il-gwan |  (1992-10-30) 30 October 1992 (age 32) | 85  | 31  |  Ryomyong | v.  Uzbekistan, 19 November 2024
FW | Choe Ju-song |  (1996-01-27) 27 January 1996 (age 29) | 16  | 1  |  Amnokgang | v.  Uzbekistan, 19 November 2024

* * *

Notes

* PRE = Preliminary squad/standby.
* SUS = Serving suspension

## Records

[edit]

As of 19 November 2024.[28]
Players in bold are still active with North Korea.

### Most appearances

[edit]

Rank  | Name  | Caps  | Goals  | Career

|
|
|
|

1  | Ri Myong-guk | 118  | 0  | 2007–2019
2  | Jong Il-gwan | 85  | 31  | 2011–present
3  | Pak Nam-chol | 77  | 15  | 2004–2012
4  | Jang Kuk-chol | 72  | 5  | 2011–present
5  | Ri Kwang-chon | 70  | 1  | 2001–2012
6  | Kim Yong-jun | 62  | 8  | 2001–2011
7  | Pak Song-chol | 58  | 13  | 2007–2017
8  | Mun In-guk | 55  | 6  | 2004–2011
9  | Hong Yong-jo | 51  | 13  | 2002–2011
Nam Song-chol | 51  | 2  | 2003–2010

### Top goalscorers

[edit]

Jong Il-gwan is North Korea's top goalscorer with 31 goals. Rank  | Player  | Goals  | Caps  | Ratio  | Career

|
|
|
|
|

1  | Jong Il-gwan | 31  | 85  | 0.36  | 2011–present
2  | Jong Tae-se | 15  | 33  | 0.45  | 2007–2011
Pak Nam-chol | 15  | 77  | 0.19  | 2004–2012
4  | Pak Kwang-ryong | 14  | 43  | 0.33  | 2009–present
5  | Hong Yong-jo | 13  | 51  | 0.25  | 2002–2011
Pak Song-chol | 13  | 58  | 0.22  | 2007–2017
7  | Choe Chol-man | 11  | 21  | 0.52  | 2005–2010
8  | Choi Yong-son | 10  | 29  | 0.34  | 1990–1993
9  | Kang Jin-Hyok | 9  | 6  | 1.5  | 2005–2007
An Chol-Hyok | 9  | 29  | 0.31  | 2005–2011

## Competitive record

[edit]

### FIFA World Cup

[edit]

Main article: North Korea at the FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record  |  | Qualification record

|
|

Year  | Result  | Position  | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad  | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA
1930 | Part of  Japan | Part of  Japan
1934
1938
1950 | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member
1954
1958
1962 | Did not enter | Did not enter
1966 | Quarter-finals  | 8th  | 4  | 1  | 1  | 2  | 5  | 9  | Squad | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2
1970 | Withdrew | Withdrew
1974 | Did not qualify | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5
1978 | Withdrew | Withdrew
1982 | Did not qualify | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6
1986 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2
1990 | 11 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 13 | 9
1994 | 13 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 24 | 18
1998 | Did not enter | Did not enter
2002
2006 | Did not qualify | 12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 16 | 16
2010 | Group stage  | 32nd  | 3  | 0  | 0  | 3  | 1  | 12  | Squad | 16 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 20 | 7
2014 | Did not qualify | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 4
2018 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 8
2022 | Withdrew | Withdrew
2026 | Qualification in progress | 12 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 16 | 16
2030 | To be determined | To be determined
2034
Total  | Quarter-finals | 2/16 | 7  | 1  | 1  | 5  | 6  | 21  | —  | 94 | 41 | 21 | 32 | 129 | 93
List of FIFA World Cup matches

Year  | Round  | Score  | Result
1966 | Round 1 |  North Korea 0–3 Soviet Union | Loss
Round 1 |  North Korea 1–1 Chile | Draw
Round 1 |  North Korea 1–0 Italy | Win
Round 2 |  North Korea 3–5 Portugal | Loss
2010 | Round 1 |  North Korea 1–2 Brazil | Loss
Round 1 |  North Korea 0–7 Portugal | Loss
Round 1 |  North Korea 0–3 Ivory Coast | Loss

### AFC Asian Cup

[edit]

See also: North Korea at the AFC Asian Cup

AFC Asian Cup record  |  | Qualification record

|
|

Year  | Result  | Position  | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad  | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA
1956 | Not an AFC member | Not an AFC member
1960
1964
1968
1972
1976 | Withdrew after qualifying | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 4
1980 | Fourth place | 4th | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 12 | Squad | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 2
1984 | Banned | Banned
1988 | Did not qualify | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2
1992 | Group stage | 8th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | Squad | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0
1996 | Did not enter | Did not enter
2000 | Did not qualify | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 7
2004 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 15
2007 | Banned | Banned
2011 | Group stage  | 12th  | 3  | 0  | 1  | 2  | 0  | 2  | Squad | AFC Challenge Cup
2015 | 14th  | 3  | 0  | 0  | 3  | 2  | 7  | Squad
2019 | 24th  | 3  | 0  | 0  | 3  | 1  | 14  | Squad | 14 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 27 | 18
2023 | Withdrew | Withdrew during qualifying
2027 | Qualified | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 7
Total | Fourth place | 6/14 | 18 | 3 | 2 | 13 | 15 | 40 | —  | 51 | 26 | 11 | 14 | 76 | 55

### EAFF Championship

[edit]

EAFF Championship record  |  | Preliminary round

|
|

Year  | Result  | Position  | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad  | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA
2003 | Withdrew | Withdrew
2005 | Third place | 3rd | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | Squad | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 0
2008 | Fourth place | 4th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | Squad | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 1
2010 | Did not qualify | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 3
2013 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 2
2015 | Third place | 3rd | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | Squad | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 2
2017 | Fourth place | 4th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | Squad | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0
2019 | Did not qualify | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1
2022 | Did not participate | Not held
2025 | Withdrew | Withdrew
Total | Third place | 4/10 | 12 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 13 | — |  | 22 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 90 | 9

### Asian Games

[edit]

Asian Games record

Year  | Result  | Position  | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad
1951 to 1970 | Did not enter
1974 | Fourth place | 4th | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 8 | Squad
1978 | Champions | 1st | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 3 | Squad
1982 | Fourth place | 4th | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 8 | Squad
1986 | Did not enter
1990 | Runners-up | 2nd | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | Squad
1994 | Did not enter
1998 | Second round | 13th | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 8 | Squad
2002–present  | See North Korea national under-23 football team
Total | 1 Gold medal | 5/13 | 28 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 40 | 29 | —

### AFC Challenge Cup

[edit]

AFC Challenge Cup record

Year  | Result  | Position  | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA
2006 | Did not enter
2008 | Third place | 3rd | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1
2010 | Champions | 1st | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 14 | 2
2012 | Champions | 1st | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1
2014 | Did not enter
Total | 2 Titles | 3/5 | 15 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 35 | 4

### Dynasty Cup

[edit]

Dynasty Cup record

Year  | Result  | Position  | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA
1990 | Third place | 3rd | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3
1992 | Third place | 3rd | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 7
1995 | Did not enter
1998
Total | Third place | 2/4 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 10

## All-time results

[edit]

The following table shows North Korea's all-time international record, correct as of 19 November 2024.

Total  |  Pld  |  W  |  D  |  L  |  GF  |  GA

|
|
|
|
|
|

358 | 140 | 89 | 119 | 496 | 399

* https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/nordkorea-team/21/
* FIFA.com

## Honours

[edit]

### Continental

[edit]

* AFC Challenge Cup
* Champions (2): 2010, 2012
* Third place (1): 2008
* Asian Games1
* Gold medal (1): 1978
* Silver medal (1): 1990

### Regional

[edit]

* Dynasty Cup
* Third place (2): 1990, 1992
* EAFF East Asian Cup/EAFF E-1 Football Championship
* Third place (2): 2005, 2015

### Friendly

[edit]

* Nehru Cup
* Winners: 1993[29]
* Third place: 1989
* AIFF Intercontinental Cup
* Winners: 2019[30]
* Qatar International Friendship Tournament
* Winners: 2010
* VFF Vietnam International Friendly Cup
* Winners: 2010
* Third place: 2008
* King's Cup
* Winners: 1986, 1987, 2002
* Four Nations Tournament
* Winners: 2001

### Summary

[edit]

Only official senior honours are included, according to FIFA statutes (competitions organized/recognized by FIFA or an affiliated confederation).

Senior Competition |  |  |  | Total

|
|
|
|

AFC Challenge Cup | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3
Total | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3

1. Competition organized by the OCA, officially not recognized by FIFA.

## See also

[edit]

* Association football portal
* North Korea portal

* Football in North Korea
* North Korea–South Korea football rivalry
* The Game of Their Lives (2002 film)

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ North Korea were originally scheduled to play host to Japan in Kim Il Sung Stadium. However, North Korea then decided against hosting it due to "a malignant infectious disease" spreading in Japan.[22] Due to the time gap and North Korea's inability to provide an alternative venue, FIFA subsequently decided that the match shall neither be played nor rescheduled, and the matter will be decided by FIFA Disciplinary Committee.[23] It was later announced that Japan would be awarded a 0–3 victory by forfeit.[24]
2. ^ a b Following the incident over North Korea's refusal to host a home game against Japan, North Korea will play their home matches in a neutral ground per Syria's request.[25]
3. ^ The North Korean team confirmed to move the venue to Vientiane for the matches against Qatar and Iran due to "security concerns".[26]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Montague, James (12 December 2017). "Inside the Secret World of Football in North Korea". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on 3 January 2018. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
2. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 19 December 2024. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
3. ^ "North Korea matches, ratings and points exchanged". Archived from the original on 22 November 2010. Retrieved 19 November 2010.
4. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 17 February 2025. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
5. ^ a b North Korea Archived 3 January 2019 at the Wayback Machine at World Football Elo Ratings
6. ^ "Korea DPR". FIFA. Archived from the original on 6 March 2022.
7. ^ "REVERSAL SOUGHT IN GAMES DISPUTE; Olympic Croup Hopes to Get Ban on 2 Nations Lifted". New York Times. 19 September 1964. Archived from the original on 17 February 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
8. ^ Atherton, Martin (2008). The theft of the Jules Rimet Trophy : the hidden history of the 1966 World Cup. Aachen: Meyer & Meyer Sport. p. 15\. ISBN 9781841262277. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
9. ^ Menzies, Paul (19 July 2016). "50 years ago: Why Middlesbrough would never forget North Korea". Teesside Live. Retrieved 5 February 2025.
10. ^ Taylor, Louise (8 June 2010). "How little stars from North Korea were taken to Middlesbrough's heart". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 February 2025.
11. ^ "2010: Group G: Brazil/North Korea/Ivory Coast/Portugal". Groups of Death in World Cup History. Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 17 March 2010. Retrieved 26 June 2010.
12. ^ Luz, Nuno; Mayo, Adapted by Marc (12 June 2017). "How North Korea took Spain's 2010 World Cup triumph and handed it to Portugal". MARCA in English. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
13. ^ McNicol, Gawon Bae, Hanako Montgomery, Andrew (12 June 2024). "Inside the world's most secretive soccer team". CNN. Retrieved 16 June 2024.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
14. ^ Times, John M. Glionna John M. Glionna is a former national reporter for the Los Angeles; West, based in Las Vegas He covered a large swath of the American; desk, writing about everything from people to politics He has also served as the Seoul bureau chief on the newspaper's foreign; earthquake, where he covered the 2011 Japanese; tsunami; Nevada, the subsequent death of North Korean strongman Kim Jong Il He has also written extensively about California He teaches a journalism course at the University of; in 2015, Las Vegas Glionna left The Times (13 August 2010). "North Korean soccer team reportedly punished". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 16 June 2024. `{{cite web}}`: `|last3=` has generic name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
15. ^ McCurry, Justin (15 November 2011). "Tensions run high for Japan v North Korea World Cup qualifier". Guardian. Archived from the original on 17 December 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
16. ^ "South Korea: North Koreans pull out of World Cup qualifying". AP News. 4 May 2021. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
17. ^ "Latest update on Asian Qualifiers". Asian Football Confederation. 16 May 2021. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
18. ^ "Latest decision on Asian Qualifiers". Asian Football Confederation. 27 May 2021. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
19. ^ "NK resumes sports diplomacy to brand itself as 'normal state'". The Korea Times. 10 August 2023. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
20. ^ "Home-made Football Popular among DPRK People". Korean Central News Agency. 1 July 2014. Archived from the original on 11 October 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
21. ^ "多年"裸奔"结束，茵浪体育让朝鲜国家足球队有了官方赞助商" [Years of "naked running" comes to an end, as Inlang Sports provided the North Korea national football team an official sponsor]. dongqiudi.com (in Chinese). Dongqiudi. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
22. ^ https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240321/p2g/00m/0sp/065000c Archived 1 April 2024 at the Wayback Machine [bare URL]
23. ^ "Update on Korea DPR v Japan World Cup qualifying match". FIFA. 23 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
24. ^ "FIFA規律委員会の決定について 3.26 SAMURAI BLUE 対 朝鮮民主主義人民共和国代表（平壌）～FIFAワールドカップ26アジア2次予選 兼 AFCアジアカップサウジアラビア2027予選～". Japan Football Association. 31 March 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
25. ^ Smith, Joe (20 May 2024). "World Cup qualifier in North Korea scrapped again; DPRK to face Syria in Laos". NK News. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
26. ^ Reddy, Shreyas (16 August 2024). "North Korea moves World Cup qualifier from Pyongyang due to 'security concerns'". NK News. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
27. ^ "DPRK national team". Retrieved 19 February 2025 - via Instagram.
28. ^ Mamrud, Roberto. "North Korea - Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
29. ^ Bobrowsky, Josef; King, Ian (1 January 2006). "Nehru Cup 1993". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
30. ^ "DPR KOREA LIFT HERO INTERCONTINENTAL CUP 2019 TITLE". AIFF. 19 July 2019. Archived from the original on 29 July 2019. Retrieved 19 July 2019.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to North Korea national association football team.

* Blog about football Democratic People's Republic of Korea (in Italian)
* Korea DPR at FIFA
* Korea DPR at AFC
* North Korea – The World Cup's Mystery Men by BBC News, 9 June 2010
* Northern Exposure: The People's Team Abroad by Soccerlens, 25 July 2010

* v
* t
* e

North Korea national football team

General|

* DPR Korea Football Association
* History
* Players
* Managers
* Results

Venues|

* Kim Il-sung Stadium
* Rungrado 1st of May Stadium

World Finals|

* Summary
* 1966
* 2010

Asian Finals|

* Summary
* 1980
* 1992
* 2011
* 2015
* 2019
* 2027

Notable matches|

* 2010 AFC Challenge Cup final
* 2012 AFC Challenge Cup final

Other tournaments|

* Summer Olympics
* Asian Games
* EAFF Championship
* AFC Challenge Cup

Rivalries|

* South Korea

Culture|

* The Game of Their Lives

Other PRKFA teams|

* Men's
* U-23
* U-20
* U-17
* Women's
* U-20
* U-17

Links to related articles

* v
* t
* e

Asian Games football men's tournament winners

* 1951: India
* 1954: Republic of China
* 1958: Republic of China
* 1962: India
* 1966: Burma
* 1970: Burma /  South Korea
* 1974: Iran
* 1978: North Korea /  South Korea
* 1982: Iraq
* 1986: South Korea
* 1990: Iran
* 1994: Uzbekistan
* 1998: Iran
* 2002: Iran
* 2006: Qatar
* 2010: Japan
* 2014: South Korea
* 2018: South Korea
* 2022: South Korea

* v
* t
* e

AFC Challenge Cup winners

* 2006:  Tajikistan
* 2008:  India
* 2010:  North Korea
* 2012:  North Korea
* 2014:  Palestine

North Korea squads

* v
* t
* e

North Korea squad – 1966 FIFA World Cup

* 1 Li Chan-myung
* 2 Pak Li-sup
* 3 Shin Yung-kyoo
* 4 Kang Bong-chil
* 5 Lim Zoong-sun
* 6 Im Shung-hwi
* 7 Pak Doo-ik
* 8 Pak Seung-zin (c)
* 9 Li Keun-hak
* 10 Kang Ryong-woon
* 11 Han Bong-zin
* 12 Kim Seung-il
* 13 Oh Yoon-kyung
* 14 Ha Jung-won
* 15 Yang Song-guk
* 16 Li Dong-woon
* 17 Kim Bong-hwan
* 18 Ke Seung-woon
* 19 Kim Yung-kil
* 20 Ryoo Chang-kil
* 21 An Se-bok
* 22 Li Chi-an
* Coach: Myung Rye-hyun

* v
* t
* e

North Korea squad – 1976 Summer Olympics

* 1 Jin In-chol
* 2 Kim Gwang-sok
* 3 Kim Il-nam
* 4 Kim Myong-song
* 5 Kim Jong-min
* 6 Kim Mu-gil
* 7 Ma Jong-u
* 8 Pak Jong-hun
* 9 An Se-uk
* 10 Hong Song-nam
* 11 Cha Jong-sok
* 12 Kim Sung-gyu
* 13 Yang Song-guk
* 14 An Gil-wan
* 15 Li Hi-yon
* 16 Myong Dong-chan
* 17 Pak Kyong-won
* Coach: Pak Doo-ik

* v
* t
* e

North Korea squad – 1980 AFC Asian Cup fourth place

* 1 Kim Chang-uk
* 2 Kim Jong-Un
* 5 Cha Jong-sok
* 7 An Chang-Nam
* 8 Kim Bok-man
* 9 Pak Jong-hun
* 10 Kim Gwang-Un
* 12 Kang Tae-Gwang
* 13 Jon Byong-Ju
* 14 Kim Gwan-Mo
* 15 Hwang Sang-hoi
* 16 Kim Jong-man
* 22 Choi Jae-Pil
* Coach: Yang Song-guk

* v
* t
* e

North Korea squad – 1992 AFC Asian Cup

* 1 Kim Chang-uk
* 2 Kim Kwang-min
* 3 O Yong-nam
* 4 Kim Kyong-il
* 5 Rim Hwa-young
* 6 Ryu Song-gun
* 7 Bae Jong-min
* 9 Yun Jong-su (c)
* 10 Choi Won-nam
* 11 Gong Mun-chol
* 12 Tak Yong-bin
* 13 Choi Cho-in
* 14 Choi Yong-son
* 15 Ri Yong-rin
* 16 Kim Jong-song
* 17 Pang Gwang-chol
* 18 Kim Yong-ho
* 20 U Hong-chol
* Coach: Hong Hyon-chol

* v
* t
* e

North Korea squad – 2010 FIFA World Cup

* 1 Ri Myong-guk
* 2 Cha Jong-hyok
* 3 Ri Jun-il
* 4 Pak Nam-chol I
* 5 Ri Kwang-chon
* 6 Kim Kum-il
* 7 An Chol-hyok
* 8 Ji Yun-nam
* 9 Jong Tae-se
* 10 Hong Yong-jo (c)
* 11 Mun In-guk
* 12 Choe Kum-chol
* 13 Pak Chol-jin
* 14 Pak Nam-chol II
* 15 Kim Yong-jun
* 16 Nam Song-chol
* 17 An Yong-hak
* 18 Kim Myong-gil
* 19 Ri Chol-myong
* 20 Kim Myong-won
* 21 Ri Kwang-hyok
* 22 Kim Kyong-il
* 23 Pak Sung-hyok
* Coach: Kim Jong-hun

* v
* t
* e

North Korea squad – 2011 AFC Asian Cup

* 1 Ri Myong-guk
* 2 Cha Jong-hyok
* 3 Ri Jun-il
* 4 Pak Nam-chol I
* 5 Ri Kwang-chon
* 6 Choe Myong-ho
* 7 Ryang Yong-gi
* 8 Ji Yun-nam
* 9 Jong Tae-se
* 10 Hong Yong-jo (c)
* 11 Mun In-guk
* 12 Jon Kwang-ik
* 13 Pak Chol-jin
* 14 Pak Nam-chol II
* 15 Kim Yong-jun
* 16 Choe Kum-chol
* 17 An Yong-hak
* 18 Kim Myong-gil
* 19 An Chol-hyok
* 20 Ri Kwang-hyok
* 21 Pak Chol-min
* 22 Ri Kwang-il
* 23 Kim Kuk-jin
* Coach: Jo Tong-sop

* v
* t
* e

North Korea squad – 2015 AFC Asian Cup

* 1 Ri Myong-guk
* 2 Ri Chang-ho
* 3 Jang Song-hyok
* 4 Jon Kwang-ik
* 5 Han Song-hyok
* 6 Ro Hak-su
* 7 Ri Sang-chol
* 8 Ryang Yong-gi
* 9 Pak Song-chol (c)
* 10 Pak Kwang-ryong
* 11 Jong Il-gwan
* 12 Om Chol-song
* 13 Sim Hyon-jin
* 14 Kye Song-hyok
* 15 Jang Kuk-chol
* 16 Cha Jong-hyok
* 17 So Hyon-uk
* 18 Ri Kwang-il
* 19 Ri Yong-jik
* 20 Choe Won
* 21 O Hyok-chol
* 22 Ju Kwang-min
* Coach: Jo Tong-sop

* v
* t
* e

North Korea squad – 2019 AFC Asian Cup

* 1 Ri Myong-guk
* 2 Kim Chol-bom
* 3 Jang Kuk-chol
* 4 Kim Song-gi
* 5 An Song-il
* 6 Ri Thong-il
* 7 Han Kwang-song
* 8 Ri Hyok-chol
* 9 Kim Yong-il
* 10 Pak Kwang-ryong
* 11 Jong Il-gwan (c)
* 12 Kim Kyong-hun
* 13 Sim Hyon-jin
* 14 Kang Kuk-chol
* 15 Ri Un-chol
* 16 Ri Yong-jik
* 17 Ri Chang-ho
* 18 Sin Hyok
* 19 Rim Kwang-hyok
* 20 Choe Song-hyok
* 21 Kang Ju-hyok
* 22 Ri Kum-chol
* 23 Ri Il-jin
* Coach: Kim Yong-jun

North Korea at major tournaments

* v
* t
* e

1966 FIFA World Cup finalists

Champions|

* England

Runners-up|

* West Germany

Third place|

* Portugal

Fourth place|

* Soviet Union

Quarter-finals|

* Argentina
* Hungary
* North Korea
* Uruguay

Group stage|

* Brazil
* Bulgaria
* Chile
* France
* Italy
* Mexico
* Spain
* Switzerland

* v
* t
* e

1980 AFC Asian Cup finalists

Champions|

* Kuwait

Runners-up|

* South Korea

Third place|

* Iran

Fourth place|

* North Korea

Group stage|

* Bangladesh
* China
* Malaysia
* Qatar
* Syria
* United Arab Emirates

* v
* t
* e

1992 AFC Asian Cup finalists

Champions|

* Japan

Runners-up|

* Saudi Arabia

Third place|

* China

Fourth place|

* United Arab Emirates

Group stage|

* Iran
* North Korea
* Qatar
* Thailand

* v
* t
* e

2010 FIFA World Cup finalists

Champions|

Spain

Runners-up|

Netherlands

Third place|

Germany

Fourth place|

* Uruguay

Quarter-finals|

* Argentina
* Brazil
* Ghana
* Paraguay

Round of 16|

* Chile
* England
* Japan
* Mexico
* Portugal
* Slovakia
* South Korea
* United States

Group stage|

* Algeria
* Australia
* Cameroon
* Denmark
* France
* Greece
* Honduras
* Italy
* Ivory Coast
* New Zealand
* Nigeria
* North Korea
* Serbia
* Slovenia
* South Africa
* Switzerland

* v
* t
* e

2011 AFC Asian Cup finalists

Champions|

* Japan

Runners-up|

* Australia

Third place|

* South Korea

Fourth place|

* Uzbekistan

Quarter-finals|

* Iran
* Iraq
* Jordan
* Qatar

Group stage|

* Bahrain
* China
* India
* Kuwait
* North Korea
* Saudi Arabia
* Syria
* United Arab Emirates

* v
* t
* e

2015 AFC Asian Cup finalists

Champions|

* Australia

Runners-up|

* South Korea

Third place|

* United Arab Emirates

Fourth place|

* Iraq

Quarter-finals|

* China
* Iran
* Japan
* Uzbekistan

Group stage|

* Bahrain
* Jordan
* Kuwait
* North Korea
* Oman
* Palestine
* Qatar
* Saudi Arabia

* v
* t
* e

2019 AFC Asian Cup finalists

Champions|

Qatar

Runners-up|

Japan

Semi-finals|

* Iran
* United Arab Emirates

Quarter-finals|

* Australia
* China
* South Korea
* Vietnam

Round of 16|

* Bahrain
* Iraq
* Jordan
* Kyrgyzstan
* Oman
* Saudi Arabia
* Thailand
* Uzbekistan

Group stage|

* India
* Lebanon
* North Korea
* Palestine
* Philippines
* Syria
* Turkmenistan
* Yemen

* v
* t
* e

Football in North Korea

DPR Korea Football Association

National teams|

| Men|

* Men's
* Men's U-23
* Men's U-20
* Men's U-17

|

Women|

* Women's
* Women's U-20
* Women's U-17

League system|

| Men|

* DPR Korea Premier League
* DPR Korea Football League 2
* DPR Korea Football League 3

|

Women|

* DPR Korea W-Premier League

Cups|

* Hwaebul Cup
* DPR Korea Championship
* Mangyongdae Prize
* Paektusan Prize
* Pochonbo Torch Prize
* Osandok Prize

* Venues, (cap)
* List of clubs
* Champions
* History
* Youth Soccer

* v
* t
* e

National football teams of East Asia (EAFF)

Men's|

* China PR
* Chinese Taipei (Taiwan)
* Guam
* Hong Kong
* Japan
* Korea DPR
* Korea Republic
* Macau
* Mongolia
* Northern Mariana Islands†

Women's|

* China PR
* Chinese Taipei (Taiwan)
* Guam
* Hong Kong
* Japan
* Korea DPR
* Korea Republic
* Macau
* Mongolia
* Northern Mariana Islands†

†AFC member only

* v
* t
* e

National men's football teams of Asia (AFC)

AFC Asian Cup

West Asia (WAFF)|

* Bahrain
* Iraq
* Jordan
* Kuwait
* Lebanon
* Oman
* Palestine
* Qatar
* Saudi Arabia
* Syria
* United Arab Emirates
* Yemen

Central Asia (CAFA)|

* Afghanistan
* Iran
* Kyrgyzstan
* Tajikistan
* Turkmenistan
* Uzbekistan

South Asia (SAFF)|

* Bangladesh
* Bhutan
* India
* Maldives
* Nepal
* Pakistan
* Sri Lanka

East Asia (EAFF)|

* China
* Chinese Taipei1
* Guam
* Hong Kong
* Japan
* Macau
* Mongolia
* North Korea
* Northern Mariana Islands2
* South Korea

Southeast Asia (AFF)|

* Australia
* Brunei
* Cambodia
* Indonesia
* Laos
* Malaysia
* Myanmar
* Philippines
* Singapore
* Thailand
* Timor-Leste
* Vietnam

Defunct|

* Malaya
* Manchukuo
* North Vietnam
* South Vietnam
* South Yemen

Former|

* Israel (moved to UEFA in 1994)
* Kazakhstan (moved to UEFA in 2002)
* New Zealand (formed the OFC in 1966)

* 1 Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, competes as "Chinese Taipei"
* 2 Not a member of FIFA

* v
* t
* e

National sports teams of North Korea

* Badminton
* Baseball
* Basketball
* M
* M-U16
* W
* W-U18
* Football
* M
* M-U23
* M-U20
* M-U17
* W
* W-U20
* W-U17
* Handball
* M
* W
* Ice hockey
* M
* M-U20
* M-U18
* W
* Softball
* Volleyball
* M
* W
* W-U18

* Olympics
* Paralympics
* Asian Games

Preceded by

1974 Iran

|  Asian Games Champions
1978 (first title)  | Succeeded by

1982 Iraq

|
|

Preceded by

2008 India

|  AFC Challenge Cup Champions
2010 (first title)
2012 (second title)  | Succeeded by

2014 Palestine

Portals:

* Association football
* North Korea

*[No.]: Number
*[Pos.]: Position
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template