They are currently leading their Asian qualifying group for the 2010 World Cup and appeared at the last World Cup in 2006.

CNN: Free for All: Is North Korea becoming a new football force?

Representing the Asia-Pacific region of FIFA, the world soccer association, under the auspices of the Asian Football Confederation (with 46 member nations) at the 2010 South Africa World Cup venue are four teams: Australia, South Korea, North Korea and Japan.

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The Australians, who like South Korea qualified for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, are seeking a first title after having joined the Asian federation from Oceania in early 2006.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS