North Korea National Team — FIFA World Cup History

Overview

North Korea shocked the world at the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England by reaching the quarter-finals – the first Asian team to advance past the group stage. They famously beat Italy 1-0, one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, before leading Portugal 3-0 in the quarter-finals.

Eusébio's four goals turned the match around as Portugal won 5-3, but North Korea had already made history. They returned to the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa but lost all three matches. The 1966 team remains legendary in Korean football history.

The team's World Cup participation remains an important part of football history, representing a unique moment in time. Their legacy continues to be remembered by football historians and fans, serving as a reminder of the tournament's evolution and the political and social contexts that have shaped international football. The story of this team is preserved as part of the rich tapestry of World Cup history.

Quick Stats

Appearances

2

Titles

0

Runner-up

0

Third place

0

First appearance

1966

Last appearance

2010

Confederation

AFC

World Cup Appearances

Achievements

• Quarter-finals: 1966
• First Asian team past group stage
• Beat Italy 1-0 in 1966
• 2 World Cup appearances
• 7 World Cup matches played
• 6 goals scored

Legendary Players

• Pak Doo-ik — Scored the winning goal against Italy in 1966. Played 4 World Cup matches with 1 goal. National hero who shocked the football world.
• Pak Seung-zin — Top scorer at 1966 World Cup for North Korea with 2 goals. Played 4 World Cup matches. Scored against Portugal in the quarter-final.
• Yang Sung-kook — Scored against Portugal in the quarter-final. Played 4 World Cup matches in 1966. Part of the historic team.
• Li Dong-woon — Scored against Portugal in the quarter-final. Played 4 World Cup matches in 1966. Helped North Korea lead 3-0.
• Ri Chan-myong — Goalkeeper who played 4 World Cup matches in 1966. Made crucial saves against Italy. Key to North Korea's success.
• Hong Yong-jo — Forward who played 3 World Cup matches in 2010. Made 60+ caps with 15+ goals. Modern North Korean star.

Tactical Identity

North Korea's 1966 team played fast, attacking football that caught opponents off guard. They were technically skilled, quick, and fearless against bigger nations.

The team's strength lay in their pace, movement, and collective spirit. They showed that with the right approach, underdogs could compete with anyone.

Head-to-Head Highlights

• North Korea's greatest World Cup moment was the 1-0 victory over Italy in 1966, with Pak Doo-ik scoring the winner. They also led Portugal 3-0 in the quarter-finals before Eusébio's heroics.
• In 2010, North Korea lost to Brazil (2-1), Portugal (7-0), and Ivory Coast (3-0). Ji Yun-nam scored their only goal against Brazil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has North Korea ever played in the World Cup?

Yes — in 1966 (quarter-finals) and 2010 (group stage).

North Korea World Cup appearances?

Two — 1966 and 2010.

When was the last time North Korea was in the World Cup?

2010 in South Africa.

How many times has North Korea played in the FIFA World Cup?

North Korea has played in 2 FIFA World Cup tournaments: 1966 in England and 2010 in South Africa. They played 7 matches with 1 win, 1 draw, and 5 losses, scoring 6 goals.

Has North Korea ever won the World Cup?

No, North Korea has never won the FIFA World Cup. Their best finish was reaching the quarter-finals in 1966, where they lost to Portugal after leading 3-0.

What was North Korea's best World Cup performance?

North Korea reached the quarter-finals in 1966 in England. They beat Italy 1-0 and led Portugal 3-0 before losing 5-3. They were the first Asian team to advance past the group stage.

When did North Korea first appear in the World Cup?

North Korea first appeared in the FIFA World Cup in 1966 in England. They shocked the world by beating Italy and reaching the quarter-finals, becoming the first Asian team past the group stage.