North Korea national football team facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Korea DPR

Nickname(s)	Chollima (Korean: 천리마) 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	121 12 (7 February 2019)
Highest	57 (November 1993)
Lowest	181 (October – November 1998)
Elo ranking
Current	127 31 (3 March 2019)
Highest	10 (January 1970)
Lowest	131 (June 2019)
First international
China 0–1 North Korea  (Beijing, China; 7 October 1956)
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 Gold 1978 Thailand Team Silver 1990 China Team AFC Challenge Cup Gold 2012 Nepal Team Gold 2010 Sri Lanka Team Bronze 2008 India Team EAFF Championship Bronze 2005 South Korea Team Bronze 2015 China Team East Asian Games Silver 1993 Shanghai Team

The North Korea national football team is also known as Korea DPR by FIFA. This team represents North Korea in men's international football. The DPR Korea Football Association controls the team. They are part of both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

In their first 1966 FIFA World Cup in 1966, North Korea made it to the quarter-finals. They even beat Italy in the group stage. This made them the first men's Asian team to get past the first round in World Cup history. The team qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in 2009. This was their second time playing in the World Cup. North Korea has also played in the AFC Asian Cup six times. Their best finish was fourth place in 1980. Today, the team includes players from North Korea and Zainichi Koreans.

North Korea's Football Journey

Early Days and the 1966 World Cup

The North Korea Football Association started in 1945. They joined the AFC in 1954 and FIFA in 1958. North Korea's first official football match was on March 22, 1964. They played against Burma in Rangoon. This game was part of the 1964 Olympic qualifiers and ended in a 0–0 draw.

In 1965, North Korea joined the 1966 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time. FIFA decided that all teams from Africa, Asia, and Oceania would compete for only one spot. Many African countries protested and left the competition. This left only North Korea and Australia. North Korea won both matches against Australia (6–1 and 3–1). This victory qualified them for the World Cup finals.

When North Korea qualified, it created a problem for the host country, the United Kingdom. The UK did not recognize North Korea's government. So, they would not fly North Korea's flag or play its national anthem. Before the tournament, a partial solution was found. The North Korean flag was flown, but their anthem was not played.

A Historic Win Against Italy

In the 1966 FIFA World Cup, North Korea was in Group 4. They played against the USSR, Italy, and Chile. This was their first time playing teams from other continents. They lost their first game to the Soviets. Then, they drew 1–1 against Chile, with Pak Seung-zin scoring North Korea's first World Cup goal.

The last group match was against Italy, who had won the World Cup twice before. The winner would move on to the quarter-finals. North Korea, led by Myung Rye-hyun's disciplined team, won 1–0. Pak Doo-ik scored the winning goal. This was a huge moment! It was the first time an Asian team reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup. People started to become interested in these players from a country that was not well-known. The local people in Middlesbrough, where the team stayed, cheered them on.

In the quarter-finals, North Korea played Portugal. After 25 minutes, North Korea was leading 3–0! Goals came from Pak Seung-zin, Yang Seung-kook, and Li Dong-woon. But then, Portugal's Eusébio scored four goals. José Augusto added another, and Portugal won 5–3. Even though they lost, the North Korean players were welcomed home as heroes. Pak Seung-zin is still North Korea's top scorer in the FIFA World Cup with two goals.

Years later, a British director named Dan Gordon made a film about the 1966 team. It was called The Game of Their Lives. He found the seven players who were still alive from that team. The film was shown in North and South Korea and won an award.

Football After the World Cup (1967–1980)

After the 1966 World Cup, North Korea did not play in many international tournaments. They did not play in the 1968 Olympic qualifiers. They also refused to play against the Israeli team in the 1970 World Cup qualifiers.

In 1972, North Korea played their first official game since 1966. This was for the 1972 Olympic qualifiers. They won against Syria and Iraq. But they lost to Iran in a play-off match.

North Korea tried to qualify for the 1976 Asian Cup for the first time. They finished first in their group. They then beat Hong Kong to qualify for the main tournament. However, North Korea decided to withdraw from the tournament.

In 1976, the team qualified for the Olympic football tournament a second time. They won their qualification group. In Montreal, they beat Canada 3–1. They lost to the Soviets but still reached the quarter-finals. There, they lost 5–0 to Poland.

In 1980, North Korea played in the 1980 AFC Asian Cup qualification. They did well against Thailand and Malaysia. They finished second in their group. In the semi-finals, they played against South Korea. This was a very important game for both countries. North Korea lost 2–1. They then lost the third-place game 3–0 to Iran. This was still their best performance in the Asian Cup.

Challenges and Comebacks (1981–2010)

In the 1982 World Cup qualifiers, North Korea won their group. They beat Japan in the semi-finals. But they lost to China in the final group stage. This meant they did not qualify for the World Cup.

At the 1982 Asian Games, North Korea reached the semi-finals. They lost to Kuwait in extra time. After the match, some North Korean players attacked the referee. Because of this, the AFC banned them for two years. This ban meant they could not play in the 1984 Asian Cup qualifiers or the 1984 Olympic qualifiers.

For almost four years, North Korea did not play official matches. They tried to qualify for the 1986 World Cup. But Japan won their group instead.

In 1991, North Korea hired their first foreign coach, Pál Csernai from Hungary. He used to coach Bayern Munich. North Korea qualified for the 1992 AFC Asian Cup for the second time. But they did not win any games and were eliminated in the first round.

After the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the team stopped playing for more than four years. This was a difficult time for North Korea, with a severe famine and the death of their leader. They did not enter any competitions during this period.

North Korea returned to play in the 2000 AFC Asian Cup qualification. They qualified for the final tournament. But they failed to qualify for the 2000 Olympics. After this, the team was sidelined again. They did not play in the qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup or the 2003 EAFC.

In 2003, North Korea faced more problems. During the 2004 AFC Asian Cup qualification, they left the field during a game against Iran due to smoke bombs. They also refused visas for Jordanian players. The AFC punished them by giving Jordan a 3–0 win and banning North Korea from all Asian competitions for a year. This included the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.

In 2005, North Korea returned to the 2006 World Cup qualifiers. They won their group in the second round. But they finished last in the next round and did not qualify. A few months later, they played in the 2005 East Asian Football Championship. They set a new record for their biggest win, beating Guam 21–0. They finished third in the tournament.

First Title and Return to the World Cup (2006–2010)

The ban from the AFC meant North Korea could not play in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. In 2008, they played in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup. This competition was for developing nations, and the winner would qualify for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. North Korea finished third in this tournament.

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 World Cup qualifiers, North Korea easily beat Mongolia. They then finished second behind South Korea. This qualified them for the World Cup for the second time ever! During these qualifiers, there were some diplomatic issues with South Korea. North Korea's leader did not want the South Korean anthem played or their flag flown in North Korea. So, the games had to be played in China.

In early 2010, North Korea played in the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup. The winner would automatically qualify for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. North Korea had a great tournament. They won their group and then beat Myanmar 5–0 in the semi-finals. They won the final against Turkmenistan after a penalty shootout. This was the first title for the men's national team.

At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, North Korea was the lowest-ranked team. They were in a tough group with Brazil, Portugal, and Côte d'Ivoire. They lost 2–1 to Brazil. Then, they lost 7–0 to Portugal. This was their biggest defeat ever. The game was shown live in North Korea, which was very rare. But the broadcast stopped after Portugal's fourth goal. North Korea then lost their final match 3–0 to Côte d'Ivoire. They had the worst performance of any team in that World Cup.

Recent Years and Return to Play (2011–Present)

After the World Cup, North Korea played in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. They drew 0–0 with the United Arab Emirates. They lost 1–0 to Iran and Iraq. In the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, they hoped to play in a second World Cup in a row. But they finished third in their group and did not qualify.

In March 2012, North Korea successfully defended their 2012 AFC Challenge Cup title. They won the final against Turkmenistan. This win meant they qualified for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup for the second time in a row.

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

The team had a good run without losing for two years. This ended with a loss to Kuwait in November 2013. They then qualified for the 2015 EAFF East Asian Cup finals.

At the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, North Korea lost all three of their matches and left the competition early. After this, they improved their performance. They won several friendly matches and finished third in the 2015 EAFF East Asian Cup. They even had a big win against Japan.

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

In the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, North Korea started strong. But they lost to the Philippines in their final match. This meant they did not qualify for the next round.

At the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, North Korea had a tough time. They lost all three games. They lost 0–4 to Saudi Arabia, 0–6 to Qatar, and 1–4 to Lebanon. They scored only one goal and let in 14.

North Korea then played in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. They beat Lebanon 2–0 and Sri Lanka 1–0. For the first time since 1990, they played against South Korea in Pyongyang. The match ended in a 0–0 draw. No fans or foreign journalists were allowed to watch. North Korea later withdrew from the qualifiers due to worries about the COVID-19 pandemic. FIFA and the AFC cancelled all their results from that round. This meant North Korea would not play in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

In August 2023, North Korea announced they wanted to return to sports, including football. They showed interest in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. On November 16, 2023, North Korea played against Syria and lost 1–0. Five days later, they beat Myanmar 6–1. Jong Il-gwan scored three goals in that match.

On June 11, 2024, North Korea reached the final round of the FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time since 2010. They also qualified for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Team Look and Home Grounds

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

From 2014 to January 2024, the North Korean sports company Choeusu made the team's uniforms. In January 2024, a Chinese brand called Inlang became the new uniform sponsor.

Stadiums

North Korea usually plays their home matches at the Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang. This stadium can hold 50,000 people. Sometimes, they also use the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium. This is the second largest stadium in the world, with space for 114,000 people. Since 2019, North Korea has also played some of their "home" matches in other countries across 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)

Coaching Staff

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	Dr. Jang Il-bom Dr. 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

Current Players

Here are the players who were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November 2024.

• All caps (games played) and goals are as of November 19, 2024, after the match against  Uzbekistan.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1	1GK	Kang Ju-hyok	(1997-05-31) 31 May 1997 (age 28)	11	0	Hwaebul
18	1GK	Sin Tae-song	(2000-05-30) 30 May 2000 (age 25)	0	0	April 25
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 23)	0	0	Sonbong
3	2DF	Jang Kuk-chol (captain)	(1994-02-16) 16 February 1994 (age 31)	72	5	Hwaebul
4	2DF	Kim Pom-hyok	(2000-04-15) 15 April 2000 (age 25)	9	0	Ryomyong
8	2DF	Sin Kwang-nam	(2003-11-01) 1 November 2003 (age 21)	0	0	Unknown
14	2DF	Choe Ok-chol	(1998-11-11) 11 November 1998 (age 26)	11	0	Kigwancha
16	2DF	Kim Yu-song	(2003-07-18) 18 July 2003 (age 21)	11	1	Amnokgang
19	2DF	Kim Sung-hye	(2003-01-15) 15 January 2003 (age 22)	1	0	Sonbong
5	3MF	Kim Kum-chon	(2003-03-10) 10 March 2003 (age 22)	0	0	Kigwancha
6	3MF	Kye Tam	(2000-10-06) 6 October 2000 (age 24)	3	0	Ryomyong
7	3MF	Ri Hun	(1997-08-31) 31 August 1997 (age 27)	2	0	Ryomyong
15	3MF	Ri Un-chol	(1995-07-13) 13 July 1995 (age 29)	33	1	Kigwancha
17	3MF	Kang Kuk-chol	(1999-09-29) 29 September 1999 (age 25)	24	1	Rimyongsu
20	3MF	Paek Chung-song	(2000-02-25) 25 February 2000 (age 25)	11	0	Ryomyong
22	3MF	Pak Kwang-hun	(1997-04-18) 18 April 1997 (age 28)	2	0	Rimyongsu
9	4FW	Ri Jo-guk	(2002-05-09) 9 May 2002 (age 23)	8	3	Ryomyong
10	4FW	Han Kwang-song	(1998-09-11) 11 September 1998 (age 26)	21	2	April 25
11	4FW	Jong Il-gwan	(1992-10-30) 30 October 1992 (age 32)	85	31	Ryomyong
12	4FW	Choe Ju-song	(1996-01-27) 27 January 1996 (age 29)	16	1	Amnokgang
13	4FW	Ri Il-song	(2004-01-14) 14 January 2004 (age 21)	10	2	Ryomyong
23	4FW	Jong Kum-song	(1997-01-24) 24 January 1997 (age 28)	4	0	Rimyongsu

Recent Call-ups

These players have been called up for the team in the last 12 months and could still be chosen.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
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 Kuk-bom	(1995-02-19) 19 February 1995 (age 30)	19	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 25)	0	0	Amnokgang	v.  Japan, 21 March 2024PRE
MF	Choe Song-hyok	(1998-02-28) 28 February 1998 (age 27)	3	0	Unknown	v.  Myanmar, 21 November 2023
MF	Kwon Hyok-jun	(1997-03-06) 6 March 1997 (age 28)	0	0	Amnokgang	v.  Myanmar, 21 November 2023
FW	Kim Kuk-jin	(2000-10-11) 11 October 2000 (age 24)	9	0	Kigwancha	v.  Kyrgyzstan, 15 October 2024
FW	Pak Kwang-ryong	(1992-09-27) 27 September 1992 (age 32)	43	14	Unknown	v.  Myanmar, 21 November 2023
FW	Ri Hyong-jin	(1993-07-19) 19 July 1993 (age 31)	8	4	April 25	v.  Myanmar, 21 November 2023
Notes PRE = Preliminary squad/standby. SUS = Serving suspension

Team Records

Players in bold are still active with North Korea.

Most Games Played

Top Goal Scorers

Jong Il-gwan is North Korea's top goalscorer with 31 goals.

Tournament History

FIFA World Cup

North Korea has played in the FIFA World Cup twice. Their best result was reaching the quarter-finals in 1966.

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

North Korea has played in the AFC Asian Cup six times. Their best result was fourth place in 1980.

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

North Korea has participated in the EAFF Championship several times, finishing third twice.

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
Total	Third place	4/9	12	2	5	5	7	13	—		22	18	4	0	90	9

Asian Games

North Korea has won one gold medal and one silver medal at the Asian Games.

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

North Korea has won the AFC Challenge Cup twice, in 2010 and 2012.

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

North Korea finished third in the Dynasty Cup twice.

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

Overall Performance

This table shows North Korea's total international record up to November 19, 2024.

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

Team Achievements

Continental Titles

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

Regional Titles

• EAFF E-1 Football Championship
  • Third place (2): 2005, 2015
• Dynasty Cup
  • Third place (2): 1990, 1992

Friendly Tournament Wins

• Nehru Cup
  • Champions (1): 1993
  • Third place (1): 1989
• AIFF Intercontinental Cup
  • Champions (1): 2019
• Qatar International Friendship Tournament
  • Champions (1): 2010
• VFF Vietnam International Friendly Cup
  • Champions (1): 2010
  • Third place (1): 2008
• King's Cup (Thailand)
  • Champions (3): 1986, 1987, 2002
• Four Nations Men's Football Tournament (China)
  • Champions (1): 2001

Summary of Major Honors

Competition				Total
AFC Challenge Cup	2	0	1	3
Asian Games	1	1	0	2
EAFF E-1 Football Championship	0	2	0	2
Dynasty Cup	0	0	2	2
Total	3	3	3	9

See also

In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Corea del Norte para niños

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