From North Korea in 1966 to Japan in 2022: Asia's greatest World Cup shocks and underdog stories
CNA reviews the history of Asian football teams in the FIFA World Cup, highlighting memorable underdog performances from 1966 to 2022. The article sets the stage for the expanded 2026 tournament, which will feature a record nine Asian representatives.
Why it matters
It provides historical context for the growing influence and competitiveness of Asian football on the global stage ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
They may not have lifted the trophy, but Asian teams have delivered some of the World Cup's greatest shocks and most inspiring underdog runs.
The content is a factual retrospective on sports history with no political or social agenda.
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