500 Won 1986 Football World Championship in Mexico

North Korea's participation in commemorative coin programs during the 1980s was largely driven by hard currency needs rather than sporting enthusiasm — these issues were never intended for domestic circulation and were produced almost exclusively for export sale through state-controlled foreign trade companies. The 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico was a particularly pointed subject: North Korea had famously qualified for and competed in the 1966 World Cup in England, shocking Italy in the group stage, but was barred from the 1986 tournament entirely, having withdrawn from qualification disputes with FIFA over hosting arrangements with South Korea.

The one-year lag between the event and the issue date is consistent with standard DPRK commemorative production timelines of the period.