World Cup rank outsiders North Korea suffered a blow on Thursday when world body FIFA insisted Kim Myong-Won must feature as one of a mandatory three goalkeepers although he is usually a striker.

Coach Kim-Jong Hun named two keepers in his squad with Kim of the Amrokgang club as a reserve numerical option between the sticks with strike power at a premium as the Asians prepare to take on five-time champions Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal in Group G.

FIFA ruled there must be three goalkeepers - none of whom may double as an outfield player.

"The squad lists that the teams provided to FIFA by 1 June, 2010 are final and can no longer be changed. On the final lists must be no more than 23 players, three of whom shall be goalkeepers," FIFA said in a statement.

"The only exception is in the case of a serious injury of a player in the list of 23, who could be replaced up until 24 hours before the first match of the team in the competition.

"The three players listed as goalkeepers can only play as goalkeepers during the FIFA World Cup and cannot play outfield. This will be communicated to the teams in the team arrival meetings and will be enforced on match days.

"Kim Myong-Won will not be allowed to play as an outfield player if he has been put on the list as a goalkeeper."

The North Koreans are making only their second appearance at the tournament.

In 1966, the last time they competed, they drew with Chile 1-1 and stunned Italy 1-0 in England to reach the quarter-finals where they led Portugal 3-0 before Mozambique-born Eusebio rescued his adopted country with four goals in a 5-3 triumph.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP