North Korea vs Portugal: World Cup head-to-head record
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Portugal have won both of their World Cup meetings against North Korea, scoring 12 goals and conceding just 3. The two nations have faced each other twice in World Cup history — in the 1966 quarter-finals and in the 2010 group stage — with Portugal dominating on both occasions. North Korea have never beaten Portugal at a World Cup, and the sides have never drawn.
The aggregate scoreline across both matches stands at Portugal 12–3 North Korea, making it one of the more one-sided World Cup head-to-head records between any two nations.
Every World Cup Match Between North Korea and Portugal
The two nations first met at the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England, in a memorable quarter-final that North Korea came agonisingly close to causing one of the tournament's greatest upsets. North Korea stormed into a 3–0 lead before Portugal, inspired by Eusébio, fought back brilliantly to win 5–3. Eusébio scored four times in that comeback — a performance that remains one of the most celebrated individual displays in World Cup history. The match is widely regarded as one of the greatest games ever played at a World Cup.
The sides met again 44 years later at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where the result was far less dramatic. Portugal thrashed North Korea 7–0 in a Group G matchday 11 fixture, with goals spread across the squad in a completely dominant display. North Korea's defence was overwhelmed, and the result remains among the largest winning margins ever recorded at a World Cup finals.
All-Time Head-to-Head Summary Table
Below is every World Cup meeting between the two nations:
| Year | Stage | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Quarter-finals | Portugal 5–3 North Korea | Portugal |
| 2010 | Matchday 11 (Group Stage) | Portugal 7–0 North Korea | Portugal |
Fans looking ahead to any potential future meetings between these sides can track schedules, live scores, and build a bracket at Bola 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Has North Korea ever beaten Portugal at the World Cup?
No. North Korea have never beaten Portugal in a World Cup match. Portugal have won both encounters — 5–3 in 1966 and 7–0 in 2010 — and the sides have never drawn.
What is the biggest World Cup win between North Korea and Portugal?
Portugal's 7–0 victory over North Korea at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is the largest margin of victory between the two sides, and one of the heaviest defeats in World Cup history.
When did North Korea and Portugal last meet at the World Cup?
North Korea and Portugal last met at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where Portugal won 7–0 in the group stage. North Korea have not qualified for a World Cup since that tournament.