Fifa World Cup: Korean derby in Pyongyang to go ahead without away fans or tourists; online commentary only way to keep up with score from Kim Il-sung Stadium

Fifa and AFC websites will have updates on goals and substitutions as fans await promised video highlights

Historic meeting is first competitive fixture between men’s teams with last World Cup qualifier played in Shanghai

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South Korean national football team players warm up during a training session at the Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:05pm, 15 Oct 2019Updated: 2:05pm, 15 Oct 2019

Foreign tourists are not allowed to attend the World Cup Qualifier between North Korea and South Korea on Tuesday, reports from sources in Pyongyang have confirmed.

This is at odds with previous matches held in the North Korean capital, where tickets have been available to visitors and games have been watched by foreign diplomats as well as local fans.

The source indicated it was unclear whether locals would be allowed into the 50,000 Kim Il-sung Stadium for the 4.30pm kick-off. There was also little evidence that a game was to be played later in the deserted streets surrounding the ground on Tuesday morning.

The number of South Koreans who visited the North in 2018 numbered 6,689 according to data released by the ROK Unification Ministry earlier this year, as reported by NK News website.

South Korean national football team player Lee Yong (left) and head coach Paulo Bento taking part in a press conference at the Kim Il-Sung Stadium in Pyongyang. Photo: AFP

None will be in the Kim Il-Sung stadium to cheer on South Korean football’s poster boy Son Heung-min and his teammates as they look to qualify for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.