From Historic Triumphs To Withdrawal

North Korea's Tumultuous History at the FIFA World Cup

From Historic Triumphs to Withdrawal

North Korea has had a rollercoaster relationship with the FIFA World Cup, experiencing both remarkable successes and abrupt withdrawals.

1966 and 2010: North Korea's FIFA World Cup Glory

North Korea made their FIFA World Cup debut in 1966, where they stunned the world by reaching the quarter-finals. They famously defeated Italy in the group stage, becoming the first Asian men's team to achieve such a feat.

In 2010, North Korea returned to the World Cup and, while they did not advance past the group stage, they left an unforgettable mark on the tournament with their spirited performances.

2022 World Cup Withdrawal: A Political Decision

However, North Korea's participation in the FIFA World Cup has not been without controversy. In March 2021, they officially withdrew from qualification for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, citing "the current complicated global situation and the Asian qualifiers being held in centralized venues."

Hosting the World Cup: A Distant Dream?

Despite their withdrawal from the 2022 World Cup, North Korea remains eager to host the tournament in the future. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed his desire to see the World Cup unite the world and has suggested that North Korea could potentially be a host country.

2026 World Cup: North Korea's Road to Qualification

North Korea's path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will not be an easy one. They are expected to face challenges navigating through qualifying matches in the Middle East and former Soviet republics.

Whether or not North Korea can overcome these obstacles and reach the pinnacle of world football remains to be seen. However, their tumultuous history at the FIFA World Cup is a testament to their resilience and the unpredictable nature of the beautiful game.