The North Korea national under‑17 football team represents the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in international football competitions for players aged under 17. The team is administered by the DPR Korea Football Association (DPFKFA), which is affiliated with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF).
Competitions
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AFC U‑16/U‑17 Asian Cup – The team regularly competes in the biennial AFC U‑16 Championship (renamed the AFC U‑17 Asian Cup in 2023). Notable results include:
- Champions (2010) – North Korea won the tournament held in Uzbekistan, defeating Uzbekistan 1–0 in the final.
- Runners‑up (2002) – Finished second after losing to Japan in the final.
- Other appearances have seen the side reach the knockout stages on several occasions.
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FIFA U‑17 World Cup – Qualification for the global tournament is achieved through the AFC U‑16 Championship. North Korea has qualified for the FIFA U‑17 World Cup three times:
- 2005 (Peru) – Group‑stage exit.
- 2011 (Mexico) – Advanced to the quarter‑finals, where they were eliminated by Uruguay.
- 2019 (Brazil) – Group‑stage exit.
Coaching and Management
The team’s technical staff is appointed by the DPR Korea Football Association. As of the latest publicly available information (2023), the head coach is Kim Yong‑chan, who has overseen the squad’s preparation for AFC and FIFA competitions. Coaching appointments may change; official updates are released through the association’s communications.
Player Development
Players are typically selected from the domestic youth league system, which is overseen by the DPFKFA. The under‑17 squad serves as a development pathway for the under‑20 and senior national teams. Notable players who progressed through the U‑17 ranks include:
- Jong Tae‑sik – Later capped at senior level and participated in the 2010 Asian Games.
- Kim Min‑seok – Member of the squad that reached the 2011 FIFA U‑17 World Cup quarter‑finals.
Recent Activity (2022‑2023)
- 2022 AFC U‑17 Asian Cup Qualifiers – North Korea participated in the qualifying round, securing a place in the final tournament.
- 2023 AFC U‑17 Asian Cup (Thailand) – The team competed in the group stage but did not advance to the knockout phase.
Governance
The DPR Korea Football Association is responsible for all aspects of the team’s operation, including coaching appointments, player selection, training camps, and international match scheduling. The association follows guidelines set by FIFA and the AFC regarding player eligibility, competition rules, and anti‑doping regulations.
International Standing
While the North Korea U‑17 side has not consistently been among the top three teams in Asia, its victory in 2010 and a quarter‑final appearance at the 2011 FIFA U‑17 World Cup demonstrate the program’s capacity to produce competitive youth squads. The team’s performance varies with each cycle of player turnover and coaching changes.
