North Korea national football team facts for kids
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Nickname(s) | Chollima (Korean: 천리마) Samba of East Asia (Korean: 동아시아의 삼바) |
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Association | DPR Korea Football Association (PRKFA) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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FIFA ranking | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 121 ![]() |
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Highest | 57 (November 1993) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 181 (October – November 1998) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elo ranking | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 127 ![]() |
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Highest | 10 (January 1970) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 131 (June 2019) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First international | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Beijing, China; 7 October 1956) |
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Biggest win | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Taipei, Taiwan; 11 March 2005) |
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Biggest defeat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Cape Town, South Africa; 21 June 2010) |
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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
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DPR of Korea national football team | |
Chosŏn'gŭl |
조선민주주의인민공화국 축구 국가대표팀
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Hancha |
朝鮮民主主義人民共和國蹴球國家代表팀
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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
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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 represents North Korea in men's international football. It is controlled by the DPR Korea Football Association. This group manages football in North Korea. The team joined FIFA in 1958 and the AFC in 1974.
North Korea's national team first played in the FIFA World Cup in 1966. They reached the quarter-finals, beating Italy in the group stage. This made them the first men's Asian team to get past the group stage. In 2009, the team qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This was their second time in the World Cup. North Korea has also played in the AFC Asian Cup six times. They finished fourth in 1980. They also appeared in 1992, 2011, 2015, and 2019. The team includes players from North Korea and Zainichi Koreans.
Contents
Team History and Achievements
Early Days and 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 match was on March 22, 1964. They played against Burma in Rangoon. This was for the 1964 Olympic qualifiers. The game ended in a 0–0 draw.
In 1965, the team played in the 1966 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. FIFA decided to give only one spot to teams from Africa, Asia, and Oceania. All African countries protested and left the competition. This left only North Korea and Australia. North Korea won both matches (6–1 and 3–1). They qualified for the World Cup finals.
At the 1966 FIFA World Cup, North Korea was in Group 4. They played against the USSR, Italy, and Chile. They lost their first game to the Soviets. Then, they drew 1–1 against Chile. Pak Seung-zin scored North Korea's first World Cup goal. The last group match was against Italy. North Korea won 1–0 with a goal from Pak Doo-ik. This was a huge surprise. It was the first time an Asian team reached the World Cup quarter-finals. The local fans in Middlesbrough cheered for the team.
In the quarter-finals, North Korea played Portugal. Portugal had beaten Brazil. North Korea started strong, leading 3–0 after 25 minutes. Goals came from Pak Seung-zin, Yang Seung-kook, and Li Dong-woon. But Portugal's star player, Eusébio, scored four goals. Portugal won 5–3. When the North Korean players returned home, they were celebrated as heroes. Pak Seung-zin is still North Korea's top scorer in the World Cup with two goals.
Years later, a British director named Dan Gordon made a film. It was called The Game of Their Lives. He found seven players from the 1966 team. The film showed how much the British public loved them.
Football in the 1970s and 1980s
After the 1966 World Cup, North Korea played fewer international matches. They did not enter some Olympic or World Cup qualifiers. In 1972, they played in the 1972 Olympic qualifiers. They won against Syria and Iraq. But they lost to Iran in a play-off.
North Korea first tried to qualify for the Asian Cup in 1976. They finished first in their group. They beat Hong Kong to qualify for the main tournament. However, North Korea later withdrew from the competition.
In 1976, the team qualified for the Olympic football tournament for the second time. They beat Canada 3–1. They lost to the Soviets 0–3. They still reached the quarter-finals. There, they lost 5–0 to Poland.
In 1980, North Korea played in the 1980 AFC Asian Cup. They had wins against Thailand and Malaysia. They finished second in their group. In the semi-finals, they played South Korea. North Korea lost 2–1. They finished fourth after losing the third-place game to Iran. This was their best Asian Cup result.
In the 1982 World Cup qualifiers, North Korea won their first group. They beat Japan in the semi-finals. But they lost to China in the final group match. This ended their World Cup hopes. In the 1982 Asian Games, they reached the semi-finals. They lost to Kuwait in extra time. After the match, North Korean players reacted strongly. The AFC banned them for two years. This meant they missed the 1984 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and 1984 Olympic qualifiers.
Challenges and Returns (1990s-2000s)
North Korea did not play official matches for almost four years. For the 1986 World Cup qualifiers, they were in a group with Japan and Singapore. Japan won the group this time.
In 1991, North Korea hired its first foreign coach, Pál Csernai from Hungary. They qualified for the 1992 AFC Asian Cup. This was their second time in the Asian Cup. In the tournament, they were in a group with Japan, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. They did not win any matches and left in the first round.
North Korea then tried to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. They won their first group without losing. But in the next round, they lost four games in a row. After this, the team stopped playing for more than four years. This was a difficult time for North Korea.
They returned to official games in 2000. They qualified for the final tournament. They also tried for the 2000 Olympics but did not advance. After this, the team was sidelined again. They did not enter the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.
In 2003, North Korea started the 2004 AFC Asian Cup qualification. They finished last in their group. During these games, there were some issues. North Korea refused visas for Jordanian players. The AFC gave Jordan a 3–0 win. North Korea was banned from all Asian competitions for a year, including the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.
In 2005, North Korea returned for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They won their first group. But in the next round, they finished last. A few months later, they played in the 2005 East Asian Football Championship. They set a record for their biggest win, beating Guam 21–0. They finished third in the tournament.
First Title and Return to World Cup (2006–2010)
Because of the ban, North Korea could not play in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. In 2008, they entered the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup. This competition was for developing nations. The winner would qualify for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. North Korea finished third in this tournament.
In the 2010 FIFA 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. There were some issues with South Korea. North Korea refused to play the South Korean anthem or fly their flag. So, their matches had to be played in China.
In early 2010, North Korea played in the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup. The winner would go to the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. North Korea won the tournament. This was their first major title. This win also secured their spot in the Asian Cup.
North Korea was the lowest-ranked team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 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 match was shown live in North Korea, which was very rare. But the broadcast stopped after Portugal's fourth goal. North Korea lost their final match 3–0 to Côte d'Ivoire. They had the worst performance of any team in that World Cup.
Recent Years (2011–Present)
In 2011, 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. They did not get past the group stage.
In March 2012, North Korea defended their title in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup. They won the tournament again. This meant they qualified for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. This was their second Asian Cup in a row.
The team had a two-year unbeaten run. This ended in November 2013 with a loss to Kuwait. They qualified for the 2015 EAFF East Asian Cup finals. At the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, North Korea lost all three of their matches. After this, they won several friendly matches. They finished third in the 2015 EAFF East Asian Cup. They even beat Japan 2–1.
In the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, North Korea started well. But they lost to the Philippines in their final match. This meant they did not qualify for the next round. This led to a change in coaches. Jørn Andersen became the second European coach for North Korea.
In the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, North Korea lost all their matches. They lost 0–4 to Saudi Arabia, 0–6 to Qatar, and 1–4 to Lebanon. They had the worst record of all 24 teams.
North Korea then played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They beat Lebanon 2–0. They also won 1–0 against Sri Lanka. They then played South Korea in Pyongyang. This was the first time in a qualifier that the two Koreas played in Pyongyang. The match was not televised live. No Korean fans or foreign journalists were allowed. The game ended in a 0–0 draw. North Korea later withdrew from qualifying due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. FIFA and the AFC cancelled all their results. This meant North Korea would not play in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
In August 2023, North Korea said they wanted to return to sports. They showed interest in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. On November 16, 2023, North Korea played Syria, losing 1–0. On November 21, they beat Myanmar 6–1. Jong Il-gwan scored three goals.
On June 11, 2024, North Korea reached the final round of World Cup qualification. This was their first time since 2010. They also qualified for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Team Image
From 2014 to January 2024, the North Korean sports company Choeusu made the team's uniforms. In January 2024, the Chinese brand Inlang became the new uniform sponsor.
Period | Kit Provider |
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–1993 | ![]() |
1998–2002 | ![]() |
2002–2003 | ![]() |
2003–2005 | ![]() |
2005–2006 | ![]() |
2006–2008 | ![]() |
2008–2010 | ![]() |
2010–2014 | ![]() |
2014–2024 | ![]() |
2024–present | ![]() |
Stadiums
North Korea usually plays home matches at the Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang. This stadium holds 50,000 people. They also use the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang. It is one of the largest stadiums in the world, holding 114,000 people. Since 2019, North Korea has hosted home matches in other Asian countries.
North Korea national football team home stadiums | ||||
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Image | Stadium | Capacity | Location | Last match |
Rungrado 1st of May Stadium | 114,000 | Pyongyang | v ![]() |
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Kim Il Sung Stadium | 50,000 | Pyongyang | v ![]() |
Neutral Venues
Sometimes, North Korea plays their "home" matches in other countries. This happens for World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers.
North Korea neutral home stadiums | ||||
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Image | Stadium | Capacity | Location | Last match |
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New Laos National Stadium | 25,000 | Vientiane, Laos | v ![]() |
Match Results and Schedule
Here are the team's match results from the last year and upcoming games.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
2024 Matches
6 June 2026 World Cup qualification R2 | North Korea ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Vientiane, Laos |
20:00 UTC+7 | Stadium: New Laos National Stadium Attendance: 100 Referee: Salman Ahmad Falahi (Qatar) |
11 June 2026 World Cup qualification R2 | North Korea ![]() |
4–1 | ![]() |
Vientiane, Laos |
20:00 UTC+7 |
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Stadium: New Laos National Stadium Attendance: 141 Referee: Shen Yinhao (China) |
27 August Friendly | Jordan ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Amman, Jordan |
19:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Petra Stadium Attendance: 0 |
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Note: The match was held behind closed doors. |
29 August Friendly | Jordan ![]() |
2–1 | ![]() |
Amman, Jordan |
19:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Amman International Stadium Attendance: 0 |
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Note: The match was held behind closed doors. |
5 September 2026 World Cup qualification R3 | Uzbekistan ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Tashkent, Uzbekistan |
19:00 UTC+5 | Stadium: Milliy Stadium Attendance: 24,205 Referee: Ahmed Al-Kaf (Oman) |
10 September 2026 World Cup qualification R3 | North Korea ![]() |
2–2 | ![]() |
Vientiane, Laos |
19:00 UTC+7 | Stadium: New Laos National Stadium Attendance: 140 Referee: Nazmi Nasaruddin (Malaysia) |
10 October 2026 World Cup qualification R3 | United Arab Emirates ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates |
20:00 UTC+4 | Stadium: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium Attendance: 8,536 Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan) |
15 October 2026 World Cup qualification R3 | Kyrgyzstan ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan |
20:00 UTC+6 | Stadium: Dolen Omurzakov Stadium Attendance: 9,769 Referee: Khaled Al-Hoish (Saudi Arabia) |
14 November 2026 World Cup qualification R3 | North Korea ![]() |
2–3 | ![]() |
Vientiane, Laos |
19:00 UTC+7 |
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Stadium: New Laos National Stadium Attendance: 100 Referee: Sadullo Gulmurodi (Tajikistan) |
19 November 2026 World Cup qualification R3 | North Korea ![]() |
0–1 | ![]() |
Vientiane, Laos |
19:00 UTC+7 | Stadium: New Laos National Stadium Attendance: 166 Referee: Ahmed Al-Ali (Kuwait) |
8 December 2025 EAFF E-1 preliminary | Guam ![]() |
Cancelled | ![]() |
Mong Kok, Hong Kong |
14:00 UTC+8 | Stadium: Mong Kok Stadium | |||
Note: North Korea withdrew shortly after the draw |
14 December 2025 EAFF E-1 preliminary | North Korea ![]() |
Cancelled | ![]() |
Mong Kok, Hong Kong |
14:00 UTC+8 | Stadium: Mong Kok Stadium | |||
Note: North Korea withdrew shortly after the draw |
2025 Matches
25 January Hybrid friendly | Surkhon Termez ![]() |
1–3 | ![]() |
Antalya, Turkey |
18:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Arslan Zeki Demirci Sports Complex |
28 January Hybrid friendly | Gjilani ![]() |
Cancelled | ![]() |
Antalya, Turkey |
--:-- UTC+3 |
2 February Hybrid friendly | Tyumen ![]() |
0–1 | ![]() |
Antalya, Turkey |
13:00 UTC+3 |
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4 February Hybrid friendly | Baltika Kaliningrad ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Antalya, Turkey |
18:00 UTC+3 |
7 February Hybrid friendly | AGMK ![]() |
0–1 | ![]() |
Antalya, Turkey |
--:-- UTC+3 | Stadium: Arslan Zeki Demirci Sports Complex |
11 February Hybrid friendly | Leningradets ![]() |
3–2 | ![]() |
Antalya, Turkey |
--:-- UTC+3 |
14 February Hybrid friendly | Rubin Kazan ![]() |
1–4 | ![]() |
Antalya, Turkey |
17:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Calista Football Centre |
17 February Friendly | Kazakhstan ![]() |
0–2 | ![]() |
Antalya, Turkey |
17:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Titanic Deluxe Belek Football Center Referee: Atilla Karaoğlan (Turkey) |
18 February Hybrid friendly | Qizilqum ![]() |
0–1 | ![]() |
Antalya, Turkey |
--:-- UTC+3 | Stadium: Arslan Zeki Demirci Sports Complex |
14 March Friendly | Jordan ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Amman, Jordan |
21:15 UTC+3 |
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Stadium: Amman International Stadium Attendance: 0 |
20 March 2026 World Cup qualification R3 | Qatar ![]() |
5–1 | ![]() |
Doha, Qatar |
21:15 UTC+3 |
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Pak Kwang-hun ![]() |
Stadium: Jassim bin Hamad Stadium Attendance: 10,375 Referee: Mohanad Qasim Sarray (Iraq) |
25 March 2026 World Cup qualification R3 | North Korea ![]() |
1–2 | ![]() |
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
21:15 UTC+3 | Stadium: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium Attendance: 223 Referee: Mohammed Al Hoish (Saudi Arabia) |
5 June 2026 World Cup qualification R3 | North Korea ![]() |
2–2 | ![]() |
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
21:15 UTC+3 | Stadium: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium Attendance: 100 Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan) |
10 June 2026 World Cup qualification R3 | Iran ![]() |
3–0 | ![]() |
Tehran, Iran |
19:30 UTC+3:30 |
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Stadium: Azadi Stadium Referee: Nazmi Nasaruddin (Malaysia) |
Coaching Staff
Players
Current Squad
These players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification games in June 2025.
- All caps and goals are updated as of June 10, 2025, after the match against Iran.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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1 | GK | Kang Ju-hyok | 31 May 1997 | 16 | 0 | ![]() |
18 | GK | Hong Kil-ryong | 1 July 2005 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
21 | GK | Yu Kwang-jun | 5 November 2000 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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2 | DF | Kim Jin-hyok | 25 March 2002 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
3 | DF | Jang Kuk-chol (captain) | 16 February 1994 | 75 | 5 | ![]() |
5 | DF | Jong Hwi-nam | 15 May 2003 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
12 | DF | Choe Ryong-il | 23 March 2004 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
16 | DF | Kim Yu-song | 18 July 2003 | 16 | 2 | ![]() |
19 | DF | Kim Sung-hye | 15 January 2003 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
23 | DF | Jong Kum-song | 24 January 1997 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
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6 | MF | Kye Tam | 6 October 2000 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
8 | MF | Sin Kwang-nam | 1 November 2003 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
15 | MF | Ra Myong-song | 6 January 2003 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
17 | MF | Kang Kuk-chol | 29 September 1999 | 29 | 1 | ![]() |
20 | MF | Paek Chung-song | 25 February 2000 | 16 | 0 | ![]() |
22 | MF | Han Chung-guk | 28 March 2002 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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4 | FW | Ri Kum-chol | 26 March 2004 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
7 | FW | Kim Kuk-jin | 11 October 2000 | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
9 | FW | Ri Jo-guk | 9 May 2002 | 11 | 4 | ![]() |
10 | FW | Ri Il-song | 14 January 2004 | 14 | 4 | ![]() |
11 | FW | Pak Kwang-hun | 18 April 1997 | 7 | 2 | ![]() |
13 | FW | Choe Kuk | 21 March 2005 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
14 | FW | Ri Kwang-myong | 12 April 2005 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
Recent Call-ups
These players have been called up in the last 12 months and could still be chosen.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
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GK | Sin Tae-song | 30 May 2000 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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DF | Kim Pom-hyok | 15 April 2000 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Choe Ok-chol | 11 November 1998 | 11 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Kim Kyong-sok | 19 February 2000 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Choe Jin-nam | 20 November 1998 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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MF | Kim Kuk-bom | 19 February 1995 | 20 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Kim Kum-chon | 10 March 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Ri Hun | 31 August 1997 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Ri Un-chol | 13 July 1995 | 34 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Mun In-ju | 22 August 1999 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Kim Hyon | 6 March 2000 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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FW | Han Kwang-song | 11 September 1998 | 21 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Jong Il-gwan | 30 October 1992 | 85 | 31 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Choe Ju-song | 27 January 1996 | 16 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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Player Records
- Players in bold are still active with North Korea.
Most Appearances
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 |
Tak Yong-Bin | 55 | 2 | 1985–1993 | |
10 | Jon Kwang-Ik | 53 | 2 | 2007–2016 |
Top Goalscorers
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 | 2009–2023 |
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 |
Tournament Records
FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup record | Qualification record | ||||||||||||||||
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Year | Result | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | ||
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Part of ![]() |
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Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | |||||||||||||||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||||
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Quarter-finals | 8th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | Squad | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | ||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | |||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | |||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 6 | ||||||||||
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4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | |||||||||||
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11 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 13 | 9 | |||||||||||
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13 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 24 | 18 | |||||||||||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 16 | 16 | ||||||||||
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Group stage | 32nd | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 12 | Squad | 16 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 20 | 7 | ||
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Did not qualify | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||
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8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 8 | |||||||||||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | |||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 16 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 20 | 28 | ||||||||||
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To be determined | To be determined | |||||||||||||||
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Total | Quarter-finals | 2/17 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 21 | — | 99 | 42 | 22 | 35 | 136 | 105 |
List of FIFA World Cup matches | |||
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Year | Round | Score | Result |
1966 | Round 1 | ![]() ![]() |
Loss |
Round 1 | ![]() ![]() |
Draw | |
Round 1 | ![]() ![]() |
Win | |
Round 2 | ![]() ![]() |
Loss | |
2010 | Round 1 | ![]() ![]() |
Loss |
Round 1 | ![]() ![]() |
Loss | |
Round 1 | ![]() ![]() |
Loss |
AFC Asian Cup
AFC Asian Cup record | Qualification record | ||||||||||||||||
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Year | Result | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | ||
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Not an AFC member | Not an AFC member | |||||||||||||||
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Qualified but withdrew | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 4 | ||||||||||
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Fourth place | 4th | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 12 | Squad | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 2 | ||
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Banned | Banned | |||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | ||||||||||
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Group stage | 8th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | Squad | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | ||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 7 | ||||||||||
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8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 15 | |||||||||||
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Banned | Banned | |||||||||||||||
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Group stage | 12th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Squad | AFC Challenge Cup | |||||||
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14th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 7 | Squad | |||||||||
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24th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 14 | Squad | 14 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 27 | 18 | |||
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Withdrew | Withdrew during qualifying | |||||||||||||||
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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
Asian Games
AFC Challenge Cup
Dynasty Cup
Dynasty Cup record | ||||||||
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Year | Result | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
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Third place | 3rd | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
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Third place | 3rd | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 7 |
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Total | Third place | 2/4 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 10 |
Overall Results
The table below shows North Korea's total international record as of July 10, 2025.
Total | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
362 | 140 | 90 | 122 | 500 | 411 |
- https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/nordkorea-team/21/
- FIFA.com
Honours and Awards
Continental Titles
- AFC Challenge Cup
- Asian Games1
Regional Titles
Friendly Tournament Wins
- Nehru Cup (1): 1993
- AIFF Intercontinental Cup (1): 2019
- Qatar International Friendship Tournament (1): 2010
- VFF Vietnam International Friendly Cup (1): 2010
- King's Cup (3): 1986, 1987, 2002
- Four Nations Tournament (1): 2001
Summary of Official Honours
This table shows official awards recognized by FIFA or its related football groups.
Senior Competition | ![]() |
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Total |
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AFC Challenge Cup | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Total | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
- Competition organized by OCA, officially not recognized by FIFA.
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)