What Happened to North Korea National Football Team (FIFA World Cup)?
North Korea's national football team has made two appearances in the FIFA World Cup, famously reaching the quarter-finals in 1966 and returning in 2010. After withdrawing from the 2022 qualifiers due to COVID-19, they participated in the 2026 qualification campaign but were mathematically eliminated by June 2025, partly due to a forfeit loss in March 2024.
Quick Answer
North Korea's men's national football team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their qualification campaign was hampered by a 3-0 forfeit loss to Japan in March 2024, after North Korea refused to host the match in Pyongyang citing health concerns. They were mathematically eliminated from contention by June 2025, concluding their participation in the AFC Third Round of qualifiers.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
DPRK Football Association Founded
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) formed its national football association amidst the division of the Korean Peninsula.
FIFA Affiliation
The DPRK Football Association achieved full FIFA membership, enabling potential participation in global competitions.
Historic World Cup Quarter-Finals
North Korea qualified for their first FIFA World Cup in England, famously defeating Italy 1-0 and becoming the first Asian team to reach the quarter-finals before losing to Portugal.
Supporter Riots During Qualifiers
During the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, controversy arose when North Korean supporters rioted over the team's failure to qualify.
Qualified for 2010 World Cup
North Korea secured qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, marking their second appearance in the tournament.
Group Stage Exit in South Africa
North Korea participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup but was eliminated in the group stage after losses to Brazil, Portugal, and Ivory Coast.
Withdrawal from 2022 World Cup Qualifiers
North Korea officially pulled out of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, citing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. This also meant missing the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Interest in Returning to International Football
North Korea announced its interest in returning to sporting competitions, including signaling participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, after a long hiatus.
First International Match in Over 5 Years
After more than five years of inactive international football, North Korea played against Syria, losing 1-0.
Cancelled 2026 World Cup Qualifier vs. Japan
North Korea abruptly cancelled its 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Japan, scheduled for Pyongyang, citing health concerns related to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) in Japan.
Forfeit Loss to Japan in Qualifiers
FIFA awarded Japan a 3-0 forfeit victory over North Korea for the cancelled 2026 World Cup qualifier, as the two sides failed to find a neutral venue.
Commencement of AFC Third Round Qualifiers
North Korea participated in the AFC Third Round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.
Elimination from 2026 World Cup Qualification
North Korea was mathematically eliminated from contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their performance in the AFC Third Round of qualifiers concluded.
Current FIFA Men's Ranking
North Korea's men's national team was ranked 118th in the FIFA World Rankings.
Women's Club Team Wins AFC Champions League in South Korea
North Korea's Naegohyang Women's FC won the AFC Women's Champions League in Suwon, South Korea, marking a rare sporting exchange and a significant achievement for North Korean football.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The journey of the North Korea national football team in the FIFA World Cup is marked by periods of surprising success, prolonged absence, and recent withdrawals influenced by geopolitical and health concerns. Their most notable achievement came in 1966 when, against all odds, they qualified for the World Cup in England and advanced to the quarter-finals, becoming the first Asian team to progress beyond the group stage. This historic run included a memorable 1-0 victory over two-time champions Italy.
After their 1966 heroics, North Korea faced a long hiatus from the global stage, either withdrawing from qualification or failing to advance. Their return to the World Cup came in 2010, hosted in South Africa, where they were drawn into a challenging Group G alongside Brazil, Portugal, and Ivory Coast. Despite a spirited 2-1 loss to Brazil, they suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat to Portugal, ultimately exiting the tournament in the group stage without securing any points.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted their subsequent World Cup aspirations. In May 2021, North Korea officially withdrew from the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, citing concerns over the virus. This decision also meant they missed out on the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, as the qualification tournaments were combined.
North Korea signaled a return to international football in August 2023, expressing interest in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. They began their 2026 campaign in the second round of AFC Qualifiers. However, a significant turning point occurred in March 2024 when North Korea refused to host a qualifier against Japan in Pyongyang, reportedly due to concerns about streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) in Japan. FIFA subsequently awarded Japan a 3-0 forfeit victory. This forfeit severely impacted North Korea's chances, and they were mathematically eliminated from 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification by June 2025, following their performance in the AFC Third Round. As of April 1, 2026, the North Korean men's national team's FIFA ranking stands at 118th.
While the men's team faced setbacks, North Korean football saw a notable development in May 2026 when the women's club team, Naegohyang FC, traveled to South Korea to participate in and win the AFC Women's Champions League, marking the first visit by North Korean athletes to the South in eight years and showcasing a different facet of the nation's football engagement.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if North Korea National Football Team (FIFA World Cup) made different choices?