North Korea are streaming the World Cup - despite 'not buying rights'

Screenshots of North Korean television airing the 2022 World Cup have emerged online - despite the country reportedly not 'buying rights' to air it.

This year's tournament kicked off on Sunday, with hosts Qatar falling to a 2-0 defeat against Ecuador.

Two goals from Enner Valencia were enough to ensure Qatar made history as the first host nation to lose their opening group game.

Interesting tidbits about the opening few games of the tournament have started to spread. One, on Twitter, has got everyone talking.

Korea Central TV [KCTV] Qatar versus Ecuador live on their station via a pirated signal, according to @Fekerfanta on Twitter.

Like a typical dodgy stream on the internet, the original broadcaster's logo was blurred out in the top left corner.

It's seen images of other games, including England's 6-2 win over Iran on Monday, hit the internet.

KCTV is aired from Pyongyang and used to be dominated by propaganda programmes before diversifying into locally produced shows.

North Korea has been run by one of the longest-standing dictatorships in the world. Three generations of the Kim family have overseen the country.

Kim Jong-un is their current Supreme Leader and is a football fan, with his team of choice Manchester United.

North Korea participated in two World Cups, in 1966 and 2010.

Last week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino sensationally claimed he would like to host a World Cup in North Korea.

While addressing the controversy regarding Qatar hosting the tournament, Infantino said any nation should be allowed to host the event.

He explained: "Any country can host an event. If North Korea wants to host something.

"I actually went to North Korea some years ago to ask the North Koreans if they were ready to host part of a Women’s World Cup with South Korea.

"Well, I was not successful, obviously, but I would go another 100 times if it would help.

"Only engagement can bring real change. We’re a global organisation and want to remain an organisation that unites the world."