![North Korea](https://a3.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/soccer/500/4860.png&w=64&h=64)
North Korea
4th in FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC2023 Schedule
![PRK](https://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/countries/500/korn.png)
![QAT](https://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/countries/500/qat.png)
![UZB](https://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/countries/500/uzb.png)
![PRK](https://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/countries/500/korn.png)
![PRK](https://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/countries/500/korn.png)
![MYA](https://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/countries/500/mya.png)
![PRK](https://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/countries/500/korn.png)
![SYR](https://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/countries/500/syr.png)
![PRK](https://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/countries/500/korn.png)
![JPN](https://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/countries/500/jpn.png)
![JPN](https://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/countries/500/jpn.png)
![PRK](https://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/countries/500/korn.png)
![The main talking points as the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup begins](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0904/r1381783_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
There is plenty to look forward to as the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup begins on Thursday.
![The 18 teams contesting the third round of Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0612/r1344788_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
18 teams are still in the hunt to reach the World Cup as the third round of Asian qualifiers kick off on Thursday.
![Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia to clash again in Asian World Cup qualifiers](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0627/r1351154_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
Japan, Australia and Saudi Arabia will renew their respective rivalries in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.
![The 18 teams advancing to the final round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0612/r1344788_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
With the second round of the Asian qualifiers completed, 18 teams are still in the hunt to reach the World Cup.
![Who is still a chance of progressing in the Asian World Cup qualifiers heading into the final day?](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0610/r1343988_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
13 are through but five spots in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup are still up for grabs.
![South Korea bounces back as Iraq, Australia progress in World Cup qualifiers](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0326/r1310270_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
Iraq and Australia booked their third round berths while South Korea returned to form after their draw last week.
![Five things to keep an eye on for match day 4 of the Asian World Cup qualifiers](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0325/r1309706_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
From teams desperately needing a win to those on the verge of advancing, here are five things to look out for on match day 4 of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.
![North Korea withdraws from 2022 Qatar World Cup](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2021/0516/r854722_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
North Korea has officially pulled out of qualification for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the Asian Football Confederation confirmed on Sunday.
South Korea were happy to have made it back from Pyongyang in one piece after Tuesday's 2022 World Cup qualifier, a Korean FA official said.
![Fans may be forced to follow Korean Derby by fax](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2019/1014/r612696_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
South Korean football fans are facing the prospect of having to follow Tuesday's 2022 World Cup qualifier against North Korea in Pyongyang by fax.
WCQ - AFC Standings
# | TEAM | GP | GD | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | United Arab Emira.. | 1 | +2 | 3 |
2 | Iran | 1 | +1 | 3 |
3 | Uzbekistan | 1 | +1 | 3 |
4 | North Korea | 1 | -1 | 0 |
5 | Kyrgyz Republic | 1 | -1 | 0 |
6 | Qatar | 1 | -2 | 0 |
Team Leaders
Top Scorers
# | Player | Goals | M | A |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jong Il-Gwan | 4 | 5 | 0 | |
Ri Jo-Guk | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
Han Kwang-Song | 1 | 6 | 2 |
Top Assists
# | Player | Assists | M | G |
---|---|---|---|---|
Han Kwang-Song | 2 | 6 | 1 | |
Jang Kuk-Chol | 1 | 6 | 0 | |
Choe Ok-Chol | 1 | 6 | 0 |